FOS® uses materials with a high proportion of recycled content in the manufacture of its fixing solutions. According to the available data, the average recycled content across the materials used is around 80%. For stainless steel and wire, recycled content of up to 90% is achieved; for aluminium, the proportion ranges from 30% to 70%, depending on the alloy.
Recycled materials must meet technical requirements
For storm clips, ridge clips, façade clips and PV clips, material quality, corrosion protection, precision of fit and the properties required for the respective application are crucial. Recycled materials are therefore not used independently of technical requirements, but only where they meet the required material quality.
High-quality recycled steels are technically demanding and, according to the available FOS® information, do not generally offer a price advantage over primary materials. However, their use reduces the need for primary materials.
Transparent information on recycled content
The stainless steel and wire used for FOS® clips contain up to 90% recycled material. Depending on the alloy, aluminium contains between 30% and 70% recycled material. The cardboard packaging is made from 100% recycled cardboard.
“We want to combine technical quality with the responsible use of resources,” explains Matthias Bayer, Head of Sales and Marketing at FOS®. “That is why, wherever reliable data is available, we want to provide specific information on materials and recycled content rather than making general environmental claims.”
Further measures to conserve resources
The use of recycled materials is complemented by further specific measures: FOS® manufactures at its sites in Hemer and Treuen, Germany, operates a photovoltaic system at its Hemer site and uses air-source heat pumps as well as waste heat for heat generation. FOS® also works with Interzero for registered transport packaging.
In this way, resource conservation at FOS® is described in terms of specific materials, systems and processes – rather than through general environmental claims.
