June 11, 2024 ¨C Beaulieu International Group is investing ¢ã5 million to transition the fossil based energy supply of its Cushion Vinyl production plant in Wielsbeke, Belgium, to bio mass generated steam supply. A transition to renewable energy. To this end, B.I.G. is collaborating with A&U Energie, a company that converts non-recyclable wood waste into green energy and heat. This strategic move aligns with B.I.G.'s commitment to reach ¡®net zero¡¯ for our operations by 2030.

Photo: © Beaulieu International Group

The transition from fossil energy to green steam and the switch to waste gas treatment without direct fossil energy brings significant benefits. First, the switch in technology will lead to 88% reduction in our Belgian Cushion Vinyl carbon footprint related to heat supply and waste gas treatment, compared to the current emissions. Second, the use of steam heating and electric energy provides improved energy efficiency. In addition, the use of steam systems is known for its safety and reliability, providing a safer and more stable heating solution for the Belgian Cushion Vinyl facility. Moreover, the switch to steam and electric energy allows for the use of green electricity in the future, if available.

Wim Coppens, VP Flooring Solutions and Nele Tack, General Manager Cushion Vinyl Europe.

(Photo: © Beaulieu International Group)

"We are excited about this important step forward in our sustainability journey", says Wim Coppens, VP Flooring Solutions. "By switching to green steam supply for our thermal heating needs, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also enhancing our operational efficiency. This move underscores our dedication to responsible business practices and ensuring a sustainable future."

B.I.G. is committed to sustainable acceleration

In addition to transitioning to 100% green energy, Beaulieu International Group is also dedicated to advancing the circular economy. These efforts encompass various initiatives, including increasing the use of recycled and reused materials. For example, 50% of B.I.G.'s PVC floor coverings are already fully recyclable. Additionally, they are actively working to reduce the environmental impact of their solutions by 42% at the end of their life cycle, striving to minimize product emissions to nearly zero, and eliminating pollutants. Recently at the Belgian Flanders Flooring Days, Beauflor launched its Twilight collection, a cushion vinyl floor created with PVC from 100% bio and circular sources resulting in a 40% reduced CO£¿ footprint compared to our conventional heterogeneous CV flooring for residential applications. (www.twilightecovinyl.com/en/home)

Furthermore, our cushion vinyl brand Beauflor launched the ReLive concept, a specialized program designed for a circular future, ensuring the collection, sorting, and recycling of PVC flooring cutting waste. Currently, this program focuses on post-installation waste and is exclusively available in France, with the goal of expanding its reach to other EU countries.

Through the establishment of strategic partnerships dedicated to finding innovative ways to repurpose waste materials previously slated for incineration, B.I.G. underscores its commitment to sustainable solutions and collaboration with like-minded organizations. It is worth noting that an impressive 75% of B.I.G.'s post-industrial waste is now being successfully recycled.

"At B.I.G. we understand the pressing need for businesses to take proactive steps towards sustainability", says Nele Tack, General Manager Cushion Vinyl Europe. "Our achievements in waste management, recycling, and the use of renewable materials demonstrate our unwavering commitment to a greener future. But of course it doesn't stop there for us, also in our new collections, in our manufacturing operations and in the use of inks for digital printing, we see many opportunities to become even more sustainable and to achieve our ambition to be a zero footprint company by 2030.¡±

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

All this is part of our participation in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Recently, our calculations regarding our carbon footprint and related action plans were validated by the organization, officially allowing us to join the initiative. The SBTi provides a framework for setting emission reduction targets that align with the latest climate science needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. This initiative is supported by the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).