Protecting the Environment
Environmental protection is very important to Miba, and constitutes a key aspect of corporate responsibility. At Miba, environmental management is closely intertwined with innovation, and is aimed at boosting ecological and economic efficiency. We focus on reducing the consumption of resources, lowering emissions and using environmentally friendly materials. As a technology leader with numerous award-winning projects, our company is testament to the fact that commercial and environmental interests can go hand in hand.
Climate-Friendly Solutions Thanks to Miba Technology [+]
As a technology leader, Miba produces high-tech components which help reduce emissions and fuel consumption while at the same time boosting performance. Sintered components fulfill rigidity requirements to levels comparable with steel components, yet are lighter and therefore reduce vehicle weight. Miba Friction Group produces light, high-performance components such as limited slip differentials and torque vectoring systems. And numerous European truck manufacturers count on Miba engine bearings as part of their efficiency strategies.
Climate Protection at our Plants [+]
Acutely aware of our responsibilities with regard to climate protection, we focus on reducing CO2 emissions per finished item. In the period 2005-06 to 2007-08, we reduced emissions of CO2 per ton of finished product from 2.54 tons to 2.24 tons.
We also make ongoing efforts to optimize energy consumption. Electrical power accounts for the largest portion of our energy needs (75%), while natural gas is used in production processes and to heat buildings. Despite the rapid increase in production in recent years, the increase in power and natural gas consumption has been well below that level. Further comprehensive measures for improving energy efficiency are currently in the planning phase.
We also make ongoing efforts to optimize energy consumption. Electrical power accounts for the largest portion of our energy needs (75%), while natural gas is used in production processes and to heat buildings. Despite the rapid increase in production in recent years, the increase in power and natural gas consumption has been well below that level. Further comprehensive measures for improving energy efficiency are currently in the planning phase.
Energy Efficiency Projects to Date
| Bereich | Maßnahme | ||
| Sinter Group | Miba Sinter Austria, Vorchdorf | power | Energy-efficient motors are used where economically feasible |
| Miba Sinter Austria, Vorchdorf | gas | Feasibility study regarding replacing thermal post-combustion with catalytic post-combustion | |
| Miba Sinter Slovakia, Dolný Kubín | power | Overhaul of lighting systems in PU Classical II production hall | |
| Miba Sinter Slovakia, Dolný Kubín | gas | Hall doors and windows replaced. Thermal insulation for office building | |
| Bearing Group | Miba Gleitlager, Laakirchen | power | Energy analysis for entire site. Energy-saving equipment and systems installed |
| Miba Bearings US, McConnelsville | power | New lighting systems installed in machinery section | |
| Friction Group | Miba Frictec, Roitham | power | Employee trained as European energy manager |
| Miba Frictec, Roitham | gas | Feasibility study regarding use of waste heat in conveyor furnace flue gas in segment lines | |
| Miba Steeltec, Vráble | power | Power consumption of various production steps measured as basis for further optimization |
Emphasis on Efficient Use of Resources [+]
The efficient use of resources enhances Miba’s performance as a business as well as protecting the environment. Miba Sinter Group’s most important raw materials are steel and iron powder; for Miba Bearing Group, steel, aluminum and copper are the most important. Carbon and special papers are the key raw materials for Miba Friction Group.
| (tons) | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 |
| Raw materials | 23,437 | 30,004 | 39,321 |
| Miba Sinter Austria | 12,327 | 14,250 | 16,925 |
| Miba Sinter Slovakia | 3,045 | 4,553 | 4,462 |
| Miba Precision Components | - | - | 277 |
| Miba Gleitlager | 4,008 | 3,932 | 4,580 |
| Miba Bearings US | 780 | 589 | 644 |
| Miba Frictec | 2,779 | 3,226 | 3,987 |
| Miba HydraMechanica | 499 | 534 | 667 |
| Miba Steeltec | - | 2,919 | 7,779 |
Operating Supplies [+]
With the exception of liquid gas, use of technical gases has become more efficient over the past three years, with a decrease in the use of hydrogen and nitrogen per product unit.
| Gas Consumption | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | |
| Hydrogen | m³ | 1,437,201 | 1,541,276 | 1,714,166 |
| Nitrogen (liquid) | m³ | 1,442,834 | 975,688 | 1,415,169 |
| Nitrogen (gas) | m³ | 5,541,980 | 5,562,563 | 6,499,922 |
| Liquid gas (propane, butane, ...) | liters | 162,000 | 216,906 | 260,756 |
Water and Waste Water [+]
Our projects aimed at making more efficient use of water are bearing fruit: although Miba sites’ total water consumption has increased, it has risen less rapidly than production. Miba is making better and better use of water.
As all Miba sites are located in wet regions with adequate supplies of water, our water consumption is easily sustainable in terms of regional water budgets. As a general rule, process and sanitary water are removed via the public sewer system.
| 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | |
| Water consumption, Miba Group, m3 | 457,182 | 455,026 | 552,746 |
| Water consumption per ton of product, m3/ton | 25.8 | 22.3 | 20.8 |
As all Miba sites are located in wet regions with adequate supplies of water, our water consumption is easily sustainable in terms of regional water budgets. As a general rule, process and sanitary water are removed via the public sewer system.
Waste [+]
All hazardous waste is removed by certified companies in accordance with local environmental laws.
| tons | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 |
| Hazardous waste | 1,768 | 2,041 | 3,907 |
| Non-hazardous waste | 1,715 | 1,723 | 2,057 |
| Reusable waste | 3,795 | 5,564 | 9,659 |
Environmental Protection in Procurement [+]
Miba also emphasizes environmental protection when it comes to suppliers, who must meet Miba requirements in terms of quality, value and sustainability. We are currently performing a sustainability study regarding our suppliers.
Another example of sustainability in our supply chain is the Vorchdorf site’s strategy for outside processing. One objective is to ensure that when selecting new outside processors and awarding contracts, the distances traveled by the items in question are as short and straightforward as possible. At the end of the 2007-08 business year, around 60% of outside processors handling the biggest volumes were located within a 550-km radius.
Another example of sustainability in our supply chain is the Vorchdorf site’s strategy for outside processing. One objective is to ensure that when selecting new outside processors and awarding contracts, the distances traveled by the items in question are as short and straightforward as possible. At the end of the 2007-08 business year, around 60% of outside processors handling the biggest volumes were located within a 550-km radius.












