FAKRO supports ecology and energy-efficiency

FAKRO, the second largest company in the roof window and loft ladder industry not only pays attention to the smallest details when developing its innovative solutions, but also puts strong emphasis on such important issue as ecology. The company focuses primarily on conscious actions to protect the environment. Both FAKRO products and their production process are energy-saving and eco-friendly. Pro-ecological attitude can be observed in acquiring raw materials, mainly wood from areas with planned forest management, using natural and eco-friendly products in the production process and rational waste management.

Wood from sustainable forest resources

The primary raw material used by FAKRO in the production of windows is the highest quality pinewood. This natural material is obtained from areas with sustainable forest management having FSC and/or PEFC certification. FAKRO products manufactured using this wood are FSC certified.

Ecological varnishes

Care for the natural environment is also reflected in choosing measures used to protect wood. To restrict the emission of volatile organic compounds, FAKRO applies mainly eco-friendly waterborne varnishes.

Sheep wool as insulation material

To ensure excellent thermal insulation performance, FAKRO uses natural and specially impregnated sheep wool, which with its appropriate density and high elasticity perfectly fills gaps around the window. Applying such flexible thermal insulation is a universal method to insulate the roof window irrespective of the installation opening size. Sheep wool is a natural and ecological product, odourless, skin neutral and non-irritating to eyes during assembly.

Production waste management

FAKRO introduced waste treatment hierarchy. The company strives to prevent its formation and minimise quantity. Waste is also recycled and recovered. FAKRO uses wood waste generated during the production process without environmentally harmful emissions. “We heat up production and office spaces in all companies belonging to the FAKRO Group in an ecological way. The source of energy used for this purpose is biomass which is acquired from the production process waste mixed with chips of energy willow”, commented Janusz Włodarczyk, FAKRO Administration Director.

Energy willow plantation

FAKRO develops its own plantation of this ecological raw material, increasing its area by aprrox. 4 ha each year. Currently, the plantation occupies an area of nearly 20 ha. Each hectare of energy willow annually provides several dozen tons of dry matter. Willow cultivation results in annual growth of 20 - 25 tons of matter per one hectare. “In February 2017, we harvested 300 tons of chips of energy willow. In this year FAKRO will get 3,300 GJ of energy from their combustion that will be used, i.e. to heat up production plants”, – added Janusz Włodarczyk. The cost of obtaining 1 GJ of thermal energy from chips of energy willow is approx. 15 PLN , which is about twice lower when compared to natural gas and over three times lower than heating oil. The benefits of using this alternative, renewable energy source are measurable both in ecological and economic aspects.

With its pro-ecological actions, FAKRO implements the assumptions of Europe 2020 strategy. According to them, 20% of energy should come from renewable energy sources.