Julien Simon
Environmental and energy management
Environment & Sustainability
Our responsibility for tomorrow - technology meets environmental awareness
Plastic molded parts
Environment & Sustainability
Environmental protection and sustainability are firmly anchored in THIEME's DNA. Our philosophy is based on the conviction that economic success and a sense of ecological responsibility must go hand in hand. With sustainable investments, a conscious use of resources and recycling, we create the basis for sustainable development - for our company, our customers and the environment.
The continuous improvement of our material and energy flows is the result of a holistic, certified environmental management system, supplemented by important aspects of energy and sustainability management.
This progress enables us not only to fulfil the increasing legal requirements, but also to act as a strong, future-oriented partner for our customers.
Activities in environmental, energy and sustainability management
Our aim is to implement measures in every area of environmental, energy and sustainability management and to continuously improve.
Environmental management system
Certified according to ISO 14001 since 1998
Reduction of VOC emissions
... through the use of water-based paint systems
Reduction in natural gas consumption
approx. 65% less natural gas consumption since 2021 (approx. -1,200,000 kWh per year)
Regular employee sensitisation
e.g. leakage emergency training
Own power generation
PV system with approx. 250,000 kWh of solar energy per year (since 2015)
Clean-Up-Days
Regular participation in and support for Clean-Up Days
Stadtradeln (City cycling)
2025 results: 64 cyclists, 13,323 km, 2,185 kg of CO2 avoided, 1st place in the municipality
Mobilsiegel 2023 (Mobility seal 2023)
Awarded the 2023 Mobility Seal for the company's commitment to climate-friendly mobility
Electrification of the company fleet
Gradual electrification of the vehicle fleet and installation of charging stations
LED lighting
Energy-efficient refurbishment of lighting, use of LEDs, daylight controls & motion sensors
Energy-efficient refurbishment
e.g. triple-glazed windows in the administration building, replacement of the shed roof glazing
Compressed air leak detection
Regular compressed air leak detection with our own ultrasonic measuring device
Energy audit DIN EN 16247
Implementation of regular energy audits in accordance with DIN EN 16247
Sustainability report in accordance with CSRD
Preparation of a sustainability report in accordance with CSRD from 2025
KEFF and KEFF+ checked
Award (resources and energy efficiency) in 2023 and 2025
Climate-neutral company by 2030
Current milestone toward the goal: procurement of 100% green electricity and green gas
Networks
Member of numerous networks and specialist associations for environmental, energy, and sustainability management
Energy scouts
Training of energy scouts (trainees)
Reduction of CO2e emissions
Systematic analysis, evaluation and reduction of CO2e emissions
KLIMA.LÄND.TAGE
Support for the KLIMA.LÄND.TAGE
Baden-Württemberg
Artificial intelligence
Use of AI in environmental, energy and sustainability management
Environmental certificate
Recycling at THIEME
Polyurethane (PUR) foams are durable, high-performance materials – robust, resistant, and versatile. As a manufacturer of PUR foam parts, we at Thieme are aware that this performance comes with responsibility – especially with regard to the environment and resource conservation.
The challenge: Due to their cross-linked structure and high durability, PUR foams are particularly long-lasting – this is a great advantage in use, but it also poses special challenges for recycling. But this is exactly where we come in: Together with leading material manufacturers and research partners, we are continuously working on innovative solutions to recycle PUR materials as efficiently and sustainably as possible.
Recycling process for PUR foams
Thermal recycling
When PUR foams can no longer be recycled at the end of their life cycle, thermal recycling offers a sensible and ecologically sound option:
Polyurethane has a high energy content and is therefore valued as a valuable substitute fuel in modern waste incineration plants. The stored energy is recovered in the form of heat or electricity and fed into the energy system. This energetic use makes an important contribution to the efficient use of resources – especially when mechanical or chemical recycling is not possible or economically viable.
Mechanical recycling
In mechanical recycling, PUR residues are shredded and then mixed with binders or fresh PUR. Heat and pressure are used to create new molded parts – regardless of whether the foam is hard or soft.
Thieme has already tested this process in practice and gained experience with various material combinations. The results show that mechanical recycling is a resource-saving and economically attractive solution – especially for production waste and single-type returns.
Chemical recycling
In this process—e.g., glycolysis, hydrolysis, or acidolysis—PUR foams are broken down into their raw materials (such as polyols). These can then be used to manufacture new PUR products. Although this process requires more energy, it opens up promising prospects for a truly circular economy in the long term.
Thieme is actively involved in the further development of mechanical and chemical recycling processes – in close cooperation with material manufacturers and scientific partners.
The path to a bio-based future
In addition to traditional recycling, we are increasingly focusing on sustainable raw material alternatives. Leading raw material suppliers already offer polyols and isocyanates with a proportion of renewable or bio-based components. These so-called “attributed raw materials” are often based on renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils or other organic sources and enable a significant reduction in the carbon footprint.
At Thieme, we are increasingly integrating such sustainable raw materials into our production – with the aim of minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and at the same time ensuring the highest quality and durability of our PUR foam parts.
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