Ecological Factors Research & Development, Materials Research & Development is where the operation, performance, safety, and usability of a product is evaluated throughout its design life cycle, from the earliest development stages to the finished item in use, its environmental impact and recycling and disposal. Packaging is standardized and reduced to an absolute minimum wherever possible and is partially made from biodegradable materials. Due to the regulatory requirements for storing or using medical devices, it is not always possible to choose the most environmentally friendly packaging option. COLTENE adopts environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and evaluates products for potential reuse in dental practices, for example via sterilization processes for dental burs and root canal instruments. In general and in its manufacturing and research activities in particular, COLTENE’s impact on the environment is minimal.
COLTENE strives to reduce its resource use year after year. Full compliance is maintained with all local rules on the storage and disposal of toxic or hazardous material and untreated wastewater. In each country, this is handled by authorized specialist contractors. Metals and other materials are recycled wherever possible. Environmental Data COLTENE began publishing environmental data in 2015. The data is gathered and analyzed in a largely uniform process. Electricity and water use is based on actual consumption as invoiced in the relevant utility bills. Oil use is calculated by subtracting inventories remaining from oil purchases as documented by invoices. The conversion of energy into carbon 2 emissions respects country-specific energy factors. Recycling data is gathered from invoices and itemized documentation provided by local recycling contractors.
The main material groups used in manufacturing processes are the following:
In 2021, consumption of electricity, oil, gas, and water increased from a year earlier, reflecting the marked Hygiene and treatment auxiliaries: Plastics, metals, upswing in utilization rates of production capacities. All textile fibers, cotton, cleaning solutions wastewater from COLTENE sites is discharged via Endodontic products: Nickel titanium (NiTi) metal, water treatment plants. In other words, the wastewater plastics, paper discharged is the same volume as the clean water used. Restorative materials: Polyamide matrix with glass Waste reduction measures were impactful, and total filler waste was less compared to both 2020 and 2019. Impression materials: Silicone oils, fillers Indirectly, this also meant a slight reduction in the Rotating instruments: Steel, Nickel titanium (NiTi) amount of materials recycled. metal, diamonds Operating materials: Water, cleaning agents, galvanic In 2021, the Altstätten plant had solar panels installed bath solutions, paper on its rooftop to generate 145 MWh of power annually, ensuring autonomy for 15% of the site’s electricity needs.
© COLTENE – www.coltene.com
Sustainability Report EN
© COLTENE – www.coltene.com
Sustainability Report EN