The article below, published by Wirtschaftszeit on May 17, 2024, highlights the significant EPS activities of Steinbacher Insulation Group, a member of EUMEPS. The focus is on their recent investments and advancements in recycling management, underscoring their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the insulation industry.
Article published by Wirtschaftszeit
Erpfendorf (Austria) – Insulation specialist Steinbacher did its homework again in the financial year 23/24. This includes sustainable investments as well as important research and development work for a functioning circular economy.
With a total of 420 employees at three locations, the Steinbacher Insulation Group generated a turnover of around 97 million euros in the last financial year. A decline compared to last year, but even the Tyrolean insulation manufacturer cannot decouple itself from the general market and industry situation. Thanks to its performance-oriented DNA, however, the company is already one step ahead and CEO Ute Steinbacher emphasises: “We believe in our products and a positive market trend. Especially in challenging times, we continue pursuing our investment strategy and are setting the course for a successful future. For example, we have invested in new equipment to modernise our EPS production.” Managing Director Roland Hebbel also summarises with a positive outlook: “We have used the time to stay up to date with the latest developments in residential construction. Non-profit housing construction has stagnated in recent years. However, we are currently assuming that this sector will recover in the near future.”
Ahead with concentrated solar power!
Sustainability is firmly embedded in the corporate strategy and as a pioneer in climate protection through insulation, we take a holistic approach: corporate buildings are heated with production waste heat, production waste is immediately returned to the cycle and the efficient and effective climate protection products save multiple times the amount of CO2 over their decades-long lifecycle. The expansion of Steinbacher’s solar power plant by more than 1/3 represents another important investment step. Additionally, as part of the “EPSolutely” project team, the Tyrolean insulation professional is also consistently driving forward the further development of the EPS circular economy.
EPSolutely research project
This unique project group, led by Fraunhofer Austria, aims to reintroduce polystyrene to the cycle through recycling. For Steinbacher, as a climate protection pioneer in insulation, this is an absolute passion. The special aspect: Project partners along the entire value chain are on board with the consortium, funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), and have been working together for two years on sustainable solutions for the industry. EPS waste is collected from construction sites and the processed material can be recycled back into EPS insulation boards. Together with customers and partners, this functioning process is meant to become lived practice. The Steinbacher Group is aiming to recycle 50% of its raw materials by 2027. However, the goal is clear: a 100% circular economy. An ambition that the employees of the family business also support. “We can only do it together. At Steinbacher, we have always placed great emphasis on this,” says Ute Steinbacher.
Steinbacher Insulation Group’s dedication to sustainability and innovation in EPS production exemplifies its role as a leader in the industry. Through strategic investments and active participation in projects like EPSolutely, they are making significant strides towards a circular economy. As a member of EUMEPS, Steinbacher continues to set high standards for environmental responsibility and technological advancement in the insulation sector, aiming for a future where 100% of their raw materials are recycled.