BÜFA in Transition
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> About us
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> Sustainability
New Chemistry means Responsibility
Sustainability at BÜFA Composite Systems
Over 20 years ago, we embraced the principle of “protecting people and the environment” in our corporate philosophy. As a responsible company operating in the chemical industry, BÜFA was guided by this long before sustainability had reached mainstream society.
We create value and growth in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovative and Sustainable Reactive Resin Specialties
Reduction in Styrene means Reducing Emissions
When it comes to sustainability and environmental protection, styrene is a big issue in the composites industry. In order to minimise emissions, BÜFA has been using less styrene – if any at all – to process polyester resins for several years. Our portfolio of bio-based, styrene-free and low-styrene gelcoats, topcoats and resins is growing steadily.
Our styrene-reduced and styrene-free products are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
Reducing Emissions
Processing using closed-system manufacturing methods brings with it a significant reduction in emissions. Enclosed moulds are used, for example, in vacuum injection and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM process). Here, too, BÜFA Composite Systems offers sustainable solutions – whether it’s with suitable products or expert advice on process technology. There is no need to compromise on quality. Class A is the corresponding quality feature that meets the highest surface standards. One example is our Class A resin, which is processed in a closed system, resulting in emission-reduced processing.
Our sustainable Class A products are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
Fire Retardant Systems
Safety and sustainability go hand in hand. Especially in high-tech multi-component systems such as fibre-reinforced composites, all components must be optimally matched with each other so that the product delivers the required performance. Especially where the highest performance is expected, such as the field of rail transport.
In the case of fire, BÜFA®-Fire Retardant Systems emit a very small amount of toxic gases with low smoke development at the same time. The BÜFA®-FireFox System offers a wide range of premium products for closed production processes. Fire retardancy for maximum safety of people and the environment.
The majority of our fire retardant products are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
Organically Based and Recycled Raw Materials
Our sustainability features also include products with bio-based raw materials that come from renewable sources and preserve our natural resources.
We also include products with recycled raw materials, such as resin solutions with up to 25 % recycled PET material from post-consumer waste (PET bottles).
Our articles with bio-based and recycled raw materials are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
BÜFA®-Foaming Resin Systems
GRP foaming resin components (bulk density approx. 1.1 g/ cm3) offer a weight reduction of up to 45 % in comparison to a standard composite component (bulk density approx. 1.6 g/ cm3) – to say nothing of the comparison to steel (bulk density approx. 7.8 g/ cm3). Use of foaming resin in transport applications, for example, results in fuel savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Our foaming resins can also be provided with fire protection - this combination makes our complete system unique!
The sustainable articles from the BÜFA®-Foaming Resin system are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
Conductive Products - Conductive Line
These BÜFA products have conductive properties to protect people and the environment. The use of BÜFA®-Conductive products in mould making, for example, minimizes dust build-up and increases process safety. Work safety is also significantly improved, since electrical charges that would otherwise cause uncontrolled flash discharges (e.g. during demolding) are safely discharged through a simple earthing. The reduction in demolding forces also increases the service life of the component moulds.
The sustainable products from the BÜFA®-Conductive Line are marked with the BÜFA®-future label.
Green Industries
Last but not least, many end applications are sustainable: BÜFA products play a crucial part in local and long-distance public transport, rail vehicles, boat building and wind energy, for example.
Weight and energy savings through lightweight engineering and protection of people and the environment are just some of the important arguments in favour of using our specialist advanced polyester resin products.
BÜFA in Harmony with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, we design prod- ucts that are beneficial to people, the environ- ment and the economy in equal measure.Our company integrates the SDGs actively into our philos- ophy and our actions. Placing the emphasis on people, environment, innovation and economy, we are committing ourselves for a sustainable future. Our portfolio is a sign for positive change – towards a world of responsibility and sustainability – for today and for a future fit for our grand- children.
SDG 3
Good health and well-being:
Our products support applications that protect people and the environment. The BÜFA®-future line, for example, contains no CMR 1 substances. In addi- tion, the use of products with little or no styrene and the use of closed processes both result in reduced impact on the workplace from emissions. The electri- cally conductive materials of the BÜFA®-Conductive Line help to improve work safety, while the high-qual- ity fire protection in the BÜFA®-FireFox systems allows safe components to be manufactured to the highest quality standard.
SDG 8
Decent work and economic growth:
We want to secure the long-term success of our company, in harmony with environmental and social responsibility. We create secure jobs and support economic development throughout the value chain.
SDG 9
Industry, innovation and infrastructure:
We develop innovative products to enable our- selves and our customers to break new ground. Our portfolio supports sustainable infrastructures and forward-looking technologies. Our products are used in a diversity of branches such as wind power and public transport.
SDG 12
Responsible consumption and production:
We are committed to resource efficiency and mini- mum waste in order to support sustainable consump- tion and production. We follow the entire life cycle of our products, from the acquisition of raw materials through manufacturing to the use of the products by the customer.
SDG 13
Climate action:
Our focus is on products and technologies that re- duce emissions to fight climate change.
At the BÜFA Group, we think in terms of generations. In this context, protecting people and the environment begins with our choice of raw materials, the development of low emission products and the manufacturing of the product itself. Our implant system, for example, manufactures products not only significantly more efficiently, but also more sustainably, because it is low in emissions and sparing in its use of resources.
