Green Future
Recycling is not enough
The ecology and sustainability of human activities is a crucial issue today. For this reason, we need to reflect on the circular economy’s principles
he idea of a circular economy is becoming an integral part of sustainable mobility. It looks beyond the current extractive industrial model of take-make-waste and aims to redefine growth from the use of resources. “We are looking for new ways of developing, producing and using carbon-neutral and circular products and services.
Efficient and
high-quality
treatment of
waste for re-use will require both
new technology
and sophisticated
logistics and a lot more hands
and brains to
make these
changes.
I consider it a key contribution by ŠKODA to offer sustainable mobility solutions to our customers. That's why we are exploring ways to integrate this concept into our ŠKODA Green Future strategy”, says Friederike Kloeckner, assistant to the Board Member for Technical Development.
“Basically, we are at the beginning. We’ve put together a cross-functional team that is looking beyond the status quo of developing and producing cars. We started work on a white paper and invited experts to understand the implications of shifting from a linear to a circular approach in the context of ŠKODA AUTO. We are all invited to ask ourselves, ‘How can I contribute?’” explains Pavel Grmela from the PSU – Ecology and Labour Safety department.
ŠKODA AUTO already thinks and acts circular in many areas. One tangible example is the second life project of batteries from our electric cars. ŠTĚPÁN VORLÍČEK
Circular Economy at ŠKODA AUTO
Three key principles based on those of the Ellen McArthur Foundation will guide us towards a circular economy. In short, it is the transition to a system in which we will:
1. Keep Products and Materials in Use
Enable systems to extend life time and get materials back so they do not end up in a landfill.
Examples: Ground limestone from our Paint Shop is used for the desulphurisation of flue gases at the ŠKO-ENERGO heating plant. It is also used in the construction industry. Our mobile filtration systems extend the life cycle of oils. Recycled thinners are used to clean our Paint Shops. Waste cardboard is used to package parts at our CKD Centre.
2. Design out waste and pollution
Design and development ensures that waste and pollution are not created in the first place. We design products and components so that they can be re-used, repaired and re-manufactured.
3. Regenerate natural systems
We will not only protect our environment but may even improve it, too.
Pavel Grmela
PSU – Ecology and Occupational Protection
As part of the ZEBRA Improvement Program, ŠKODA AUTO employees can contribute with their idea to improve sustainability, for example, in the Plastic Pitfalls motivational campaign. From the viewpoint of the circular economy, one of the projects currently being implemented at the carmaker can be followed. Thanks to the Tritan bottles that the carmaker distributes to its employees to improve their drinking regime, we are reducing the amount of waste in the form of disposable PET bottles. The outcome, however, largely depends on whether our employees decide to use these washable bottles or not.