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. Miba technology and wealth of experience make motor vehicles, trains, ships, aircraft and power plants more efficient, more powerful and more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, Miba understands the importance of raising employee awareness concerning environmental issues.
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.
Emphasis on Efficient Use of Resources and Energy [+]
The efficient use of resources and energy 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.
For Miba, sustainable resource management means making efficient use of raw materials, with as little residual material and waste as possible. Any accrued residual material is fed back into the production process whenever possible, or to a large extent passed on to collection centers for recyclable materials.
One of the original targets of the Miba 2015 vision was to improve resource efficiency by five percent relative to the average values for the 2005-2007 period. In 2009-2010, we successfully reached a level below the target value of 1.45 tons of raw materials per ton of product. We will continue to endeavor to improve that level.
Miba works hard to optimize its absolute energy consumption on an ongoing basis by improving production processes and using advanced technical processes. Energy consumption in 2009-2010 fell by nine percent relative to 2008-2009. Part of that drop is attributable to the fact that the production volume fell. Nonetheless, initiatives such as a modernization drive at Miba Sinter Slovakia in 2008 have helped increase plant efficiency and quality and thereby reduce energy consumption. For example, small, inefficient furnaces have been replaced by more efficient, advanced furnaces. This is a case of environmental and commercial benefits going hand in hand.
One of the original targets of the Miba 2015 vision was to improve resource efficiency by five percent relative to the average values for the 2005-2007 period. In 2009-2010, we successfully reached a level below the target value of 1.45 tons of raw materials per ton of product. We will continue to endeavor to improve that level.
Miba works hard to optimize its absolute energy consumption on an ongoing basis by improving production processes and using advanced technical processes. Energy consumption in 2009-2010 fell by nine percent relative to 2008-2009. Part of that drop is attributable to the fact that the production volume fell. Nonetheless, initiatives such as a modernization drive at Miba Sinter Slovakia in 2008 have helped increase plant efficiency and quality and thereby reduce energy consumption. For example, small, inefficient furnaces have been replaced by more efficient, advanced furnaces. This is a case of environmental and commercial benefits going hand in hand.
Water and Waste Water [+]
Since processes differ from one site to the next, the use and consumption of water also differs. Most water is used for cooling and fed back into the natural water cycle in an unchanged state. Process and sanitary water are removed via the public sewer system.
Miba Gleitlager and Miba Bearings US require large quantities of water for their water cooling systems and electroplating. Particularly at those sites, specific water consumption in cubic meters per ton of product is relatively high. Since water used for cooling and many other processes does not have to be potable, Miba uses its own wells at many sites. This cuts costs and relieves the burden on the public water supply. As all Miba sites are located in wet regions with adequate supplies of water, water consumption is easily sustainable in terms of regional water budgets.
Miba Gleitlager and Miba Bearings US require large quantities of water for their water cooling systems and electroplating. Particularly at those sites, specific water consumption in cubic meters per ton of product is relatively high. Since water used for cooling and many other processes does not have to be potable, Miba uses its own wells at many sites. This cuts costs and relieves the burden on the public water supply. As all Miba sites are located in wet regions with adequate supplies of water, water consumption is easily sustainable in terms of regional water budgets.
Waste [+]
In 2009-2010, Miba produced a total of 10,748 tons of waste, i.e., 5,185 tons less than in 2008-2009. In particular, the proportion accounted for by hazardous waste and reusable waste fell.
All hazardous waste is removed by certified companies in accordance with local environmental laws. In 2009-2010, 89.28 kg of hazardous waste per ton of product was produced, a decrease of 48.49 kg relative to 2007-2008.
All hazardous waste is removed by certified companies in accordance with local environmental laws. In 2009-2010, 89.28 kg of hazardous waste per ton of product was produced, a decrease of 48.49 kg relative to 2007-2008.
Environmental Protection in Procurement [+]
Miba emphasizes environmental protection among suppliers too. The goal is for suppliers to meet Miba’s quality, efficiency and sustainability requirements. Suppliers are chosen based inter alia on sustainability criteria such as environment protection, quality and environmental management systems, workplace safety, health protection, use of materials as permitted by the relevant legislation as well as the distance from the supplier to the Miba site in question. In recent years, Miba Sinter Austria has developed its own outsourcing strategy. One of the key criteria for selecting new suppliers is that they should be as short a distance as possible from Vorchdorf. In 2007, around 60 percent of the procurement volume came from suppliers located within a 550-km radius. That figure is now 65 percent.
One of the goals of the Miba 2015 vision is that suppliers for facility and catering activities should be local.
One of the goals of the Miba 2015 vision is that suppliers for facility and catering activities should be local.