Target 1: Recycled material in glass mineral wool
Target 1: Recycled material in glass mineral wool
The main raw material we use in our glass mineral wool products is recycled glass (cullet) from sources such as windows, car windshields or bottles, this extends the life of glass used in other industries.
We aim to be using a minimum of 80% recycled glass in our mineral wool products by 2030.
Glass Mineral Wool
Glass Mineral Wool
For our Glass Mineral Wool products, we use recycled glass (consumer glass waste and car industry glass) as our raw material. In the UK in 2024, the volume of recycled glass used in our glass mineral wool products was up to 73% which contributes towards reducing waste and helps save valuable resources.
Target 2: Managing production waste
Target 2: Managing production waste
In our glass mineral wool plants, we use production leftovers to make new glass mineral wool products used in the insulation industry, and raw materials for other industries such as ceiling tiles or bricks.
Achievements:
- We have mechanical recycling equipment running in our glass mineral wool plants that allows us to save thousands of tons of waste being sent to landfill.
- In 2023, we achieved zero dry production leftovers to landfill in several glass mineral wool plants. In 2024 we have reduced landfill by 10% compared to previous year.
- In our commitment to keep reducing waste to landfill, new recycling equipment are being developed in several URSA plants to be implemented in 2025.
Target 3: Reducing packaging
Target 3: Reducing packaging
We’re continuously reducing the virgin resources used in our packaging. Along with the rest of the Etex group, we aim to reduce plastic packaging by 20% and use recyclable plastic only.
In line with EU guidelines such as Packaging and Packaging Waste Reduction and our strong commitment to sustainability, we are increasing the amount of recycled plastic in our packaging – up to 50% in glass mineral wool products.
URSA continues to reduce the thickness of our packaging whenever possible while maintaining high compression properties and mechanical resistance.
We’re reducing the use of ink for more sustainable foils.
Apart from reducing the use of plastic in our packaging, we are also decreasing wood consumption through our reusable pallet service that is being rolled out across Europe.
Achievements:
- In 2024, we have reduced the virgin plastic consumption in our foils by 10% compared to 2022.
- Our glass mineral wool products manufactured in El Pla, Spain are packaged using primary foils with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic.
- URSA’s reusable pallet service in Germany, France, Benelux, and Poland is helping customers partner with URSA in the circular economy and reduce their own CO2 footprint.
- In Eastern Europe, 40% of pallets are being recovered – just one milestone in this pioneering project for the insulation materials industry.
73%
recycled glass content in our glass mineral wool products
50%
recycled plastic in primary packaging at multiple production plants
40%
of pallets recovered in Eastern Europe
Why circularity matters
Stronger partnerships
Collaborating with customers and industry experts strengthens our shared commitment to sustainability.
Cost savings
Recycled materials reduce reliance on virgin raw materials, saving resources and money.
Environmental impact
Avoiding landfills and reducing CO₂ emissions contribute to a greener planet.
“Through our deep expertise in insulation, we're not just enabling our clients to improve energy efficiency and reduce society's carbon footprint; we are actively confronting climate change.”
ESG & CSR approach
At URSA, our CSR approach involves initiatives that go beyond profitability, focusing on positive contributions to society, the environment, and our stakeholders.
Advancing Our Decarbonisation Goal
An ambitious target : reduce the intensity of our CO2 emissions by 35% compared to 2018 by 2030.