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Environment and Recycling

Responsible production at OWA

Using raw materials responsibly and efficiently forms the basis of our environment-friendly operation. Our company was certified in accordance with the international environmental management standard 14001 back in 2002 and successfully converted to the 2015 version. We are therefore committed to pursuing defined environmental objectives in a continuous process of improvement and continually monitoring their results and compliance with all relevant laws.

With our new dryer facility with integrated heat recovery plant in 2006, we were able to reduce our energy consumption by a third. Even our high quality standards for our products are a fundamental element of our green corporate strategy.

Around 80% of the water required in the OWA plant is vaporised in the production process. The white clouds that can be seen over the Amorbach plant consist almost entirely of pure water vapour. The residual production water is recirculated, only 8% of the overall volume of water is disposed of via a local purification plant.

A number of quality marks and awards confirm
our sustainable corporate and production philosophy.

OWA ceiling tiles - naturally!

OWA had already taken the aspect of sustainability into consideration in its production long before this became the subject of public discussion. Today, mineral wool – the starting product for OWA ceiling tiles – is one of the most extensively studied and controlled building materials in the world. It is bio-soluble, does not present any risk to health and complies with all national and international regulations. Overall, our ceiling tiles consist of a bio-soluble mixture obtained from natural sources and recycled materials to the following degrees:

  • Bio-soluble mineral wool 30% – 60%
  • Organic binding agent 5% – 10%
  • solvent-free emulsion paints 0% – 5%
  • Natural fillers (clay and perlite) 20% – 40%
  • Cellulose 0% – 2%

We only use those pigments that occur naturally for coating OWAcoustic tiles – they are applied as solvent-free emulsion paints. Selected suppliers guarantee short transport routes. 80% of our raw materials originate from Germany, mostly from the surrounding area.

All OWA mineral ceiling tiles manufactured after 01.10.1997 are 100% recyclable. These can be fed into the OWA green circle, our own recycling system, regardless of a new order. Handling costs are due for the return which we would be pleased to inform you about for your project on request.

       

Building certification procedures (DGNB, LEED, BREEAM, HQE)

OWA products are also used in buildings that have to meet important requirements regarding sustainability certification processes. We will provide you with the right ceiling and acoustics solution to support you with planned certification according to the LEED®, BREEAM® and HQE green building standards but also the standard for for sustainable buildings DGNB®.

We can also answer any questions relating to the composition, harmlessness and options for disposing and recycling of OWA ceilings.

Our sustainability parameters at a glance

  • Low-polluting, energy and water saving production
  • Sophisticated and key recycling concept “OWA green circle”
  • OWA ceiling tiles are 100% recyclable
  • Transport of raw materials over short distances
  • OWA acoustic ceilings are low emission
  • OWA products meet the world’s strictest standards for environmental protection and sustainability