Today, FUCHS Group, the world’s largest independent supplier of innovative lubrication solutions, announces the launch of its new product packaging for its Automotive aftermarket range(s), which are made from 100% recycled (PCR) materials.
Through early engagement with suppliers, and wider supply chain collaboration, FUCHS has been able to bring fully recycled packaging to Europe. It is expected more than 5 million bottles will be distributed between now and the end of the year. As part of sustainability commitments, the brand intends to roll this out globally.
By using fully recycled materials, the company is reducing fossil-based packaging material and lowering carbon emissions. Each 1L and 5L bottle now has a total CO2-footprint that is 68% lower than when no recycled elements were included. To reach this output, FUCHS has improved production technology in collaboration with its suppliers, without compromising quality but streamlining the production process.
As part of their wider sustainability pledge, FUCHS has committed to reducing emissions along the entire value chain (“cradle-to-grave“) by at least 90% compared to the base year 2021 via medium-term targets in 2030 until the “Net Zero” target year 2040. Beyond working on its material base, according to the last full year sustainability report, FUCHS has reduced its Gate-to-Gate corporate carbon footprint by 14.8% since 2021, this covers all the emissions within the company gates and which FUCHS can influence directly.
The packaging project is only one example of the company’s ACT-program (Advanced Circular Technologies) which embraces all measures to reduce the use of fossil materials and replacement with circular materials.
Bastian Keller, Head of global product management automotive lubricants says; “By pragmatically integrating secondary materials while maintaining quality and meeting specification requirements, we’re now able to celebrate this 100% recycled materials milestone. However, this is only one step on our sustainability journey, rather than the destination. We look forward to rolling this out to more product groups and geographies as we remain committed to sustainable choices.
“Such a change requires commitment and collaboration, a rethink of process, technology and product sourcing. By taking a phased approach to this point we’ve been able to gain experience and customer feedback to ensure the product meets their needs as well as those of the environment.”
In addition to the commitment to more recycled content in packaging, FUCHS has plans to transition to 100% green electricity by 2025, having increased the share to over 50% in 2023.
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