GreenFuture / greenfuture-cirkularni
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GreenFuture
Seeking New Paths to Sustainability
Circular Projects and a New Internal Community
At Škoda Auto, the circular economy is reflected in a wide range of projects related to the company's production and operations. Since 2020, the carmaker has not sent any production waste to landfill, and it is increasingly focused on finding ways to return materials to the circular economy or reuse them directly in production. Specialists from the PSU – Environmental and Work Protection department, who focus on waste management and circular solutions, work on specific projects together with individual operations.
500 million
The measures for waste oil management are expected to deliver annual savings of around 500 million Impact Points.*
One example is a project in Vrchlabí, where material from non-conforming aluminium gearbox housings is no longer sent to external partners for recycling. After remelting, the material is reused at the foundry in Mladá Boleslav to produce other aluminium parts in the PK – Component Production department.
1.5 million
The measures introduced at the Vrchlabí plant reduce 1.5 million Impact Points each year.
This year, a new solution was also introduced for managing waste oils, which are generated mainly in Mladá Boleslav at the press shop and in component manufacturing. Around 190 tonnes of contaminated oil are produced here each year. In the past, it was incinerated to recover energy. Since April this year, however, thanks to cooperation with an external partner, the waste oil is now sent for preparation for reuse. After purification, it serves again as a raw material for producing new mineral cutting oils or engine oils. The project therefore significantly supports the principles of the circular economy and helps reduce the consumption of primary raw materials. It also helps lower the environmental impact and meet Škoda Auto's waste management goals.
* The Impact Points (IP) methodology makes it possible to compare environmental impacts, track how they develop and identify the most significant areas.
New Circular Community
The importance of this topic is also underlined by the creation of a circular community at Škoda Auto, which was unveiled at the end of May at the Laurin & Klement Kampus. The new platform connects employees across departments and creates a space for sharing experience, finding inspiration and developing new projects. The first meeting, held as a breakfast on 26 May, attracted more than 100 colleagues and members of the Board of Management. It introduced specific initiatives in areas such as remanufactured parts, sustainable materials and extending the lifespan of car seats – for example, simply by replacing the upholstery on seats that are otherwise still in good condition. The event was held under the motto "no PowerPoint, just real projects", so visitors could see individual solutions in action and discuss them with experts from across the company. The organisers want to develop the Circular Community @Škoda further as a platform that will help embed the principles of the 5R strategy in the carmaker's daily operations. For more information on the circular economy, visit Škoda Space.