Sustainability at WACKER Middle East & Africa
Raising Awareness and Optimizing Processes
We are committed to improving the sustainability of the chemical industry and the region. In addition to offering products for more sustainable applications, we support projects and initiatives that have a positive impact. We do so in line with WACKER's global sustainability strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include responsible consumption and production processes, climate protection and fair working conditions throughout the supply and production chain.
Creating Awareness: Sustainable Consumption and Production
Optimizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste are important steps toward reducing the ecological footprint. By supporting local initiatives, we aim to create awareness for more sustainable consumption and production processes.
In line with global sustainability goals, we are continuously working to implement the principles of the circular economy at our WACKER Middle East & Africa site.
WACKER Middle East & Africa recently hosted an Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Day emphasizing safety practices and sustainability. The event featured talks and a tour of the Dubai technical center labs. Presentations by industry experts highlighted safety measures at Dubai Silicon Oasis and offered tips for incorporating health and safety practices into daily routines. Demonstrations by the director of the technical center, Mohammed Sanaobar, underscored the importance of vigilance toward safety concerns at work. The staff tour of the in-house technical center laboratories showcased lab facilities and best practices.
The EHS day also displayed WACKER’s commitment to sustainable practices through a visit to the community garden project. Sensitizing people to environmental issues and creating green spaces supports the UAE’s objectives of the National Climate Change Plan 2050. Another element was a recycling project that had repurposed materials to create new office furniture. The event concluded with a visit to a vertical strawberry farm, offering insights into sustainable agricultural solutions. WACKER remains dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, with a key focus on reducing greenhouse gases by 50% by 2030 through various initiatives worldwide.
Climate Protection through Products for Sustainable Applications
One of our priorities is to reduce CO₂ emissions. Thanks to our technical competence centers (TCs), we have specialized know-how that helps us develop sustainable solutions for the region. Sustainability is of great importance today, both globally and in the construction industry.
Regional Approach: Our Model House Project
Our model house project, which we started together with Dubai Central Laboratories, is investigating the sustainable properties of construction chemicals and their impact on the region’s infrastructure. Among other things, our products make it possible that significantly fewer raw materials need to be used in the application of cementitious tile adhesives. At the same time, they improve the insulation quality of buildings and thus reduce energy consumption. This regional approach helps to reconcile ecological and social goals.
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Tile adhesive using recycled concrete and VINNAPAS® eco
Tile adhesive products traditionally incorporate materials like Portland cement, silica sand and dispersible polymer powder. However, the scarcity of silica sand deposits and the high carbon footprint of Portland cement pose environmental concerns. Recycled concrete effectively addresses these.
In a laboratory project, we conducted a partial replacement of silica sand and Portland cement with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The formulation integrates recycled concrete aggregates in place of silica sand and green cement or composite cement instead of ordinary Portland cement. Additionally, we’ve optimized the adhesive properties using the environmentally sound dispersible polymer powder VINNAPAS® eco 5010 N.
The resulting product boasts a reduced carbon footprint, conserves resources and complies with the European tile adhesive standard EN 12004-2. This was achieved by combining recycled materials with WACKER additives, resulting in a more sustainable tile adhesive product.
Strong Partnerships for Sustainability
We work with local organizations and partners to help combat climate change. Together with Imdad and Suez, we conduct employee office waste recycling drives every six months to ensure the success of our waste management initiatives. In addition, WACKER’s Dubai technical center has appointed a reliable waste management partner. This gives concrete slabs and other waste a new purpose and allows us to engage in sustainable research practices. Through joint initiatives like this, we want to ensure that our actions are effective and open up new opportunities for a more sustainable future in the region.
Silicone Cartridge Recycling Program
The initiative launched by WACKER’s Silicone Sealants team in Dubai allows end users to drop off their used silicone cartridges at our distributor Bosco. Special recycling bins are available there to ensure that the hard-to-recycle cartridges find their way back into the raw material cycle.
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