Environmental Protection
The main environmental effects of paint production are the energy used during the manufacturing of the product, emissions and wastes generated during the manufacture, as well as the distribution of raw materials, packaging materials and finished products. We aim to be more energy-efficient and increase the use of renewable energy, reduce the VOC and CO2 emission of production as well as decrease the amount of waste and increase the share of recyclable waste.
Tikkurila aims to reduce the environmental impact of logistics by choosing environmentally friendly logistics, centralizing transportation and improving transportation safety and efficiency. Moreover, we pay attention to optimizing cargoes and transportation routes, and to the loading of vehicles. Another factor impacting the environmental effects of our logistics is that Tikkurila has production units and logistics centres in many countries, which reduces the distance of transportation. In the selection of our logistics partners, the defining factors include safety and the ability of the transport company to provide more environmentally-friendly options.
The emissions from production are measured and assessed numerically, although there are country-specific differences in the methods of carrying out these processes. The environmental permits in different countries define the emission limits, control and measurement of VOCs and wastewater. The applicable legislation and the requirements of the environmental permit are observed in all countries.
The VOC emissions of our production facility in Vantaa are measured from the inlet and exit sides of the catalytic combustor at intervals defined in the environmental permit. The annual estimates are defined numerically based on the measurements and the operating time of the combustor. In Russia and Poland, where combustors are not used, the measurements are made at different points in the process, and the annual estimate is calculated similarly. The factory in Sweden does not produce solvent-borne paints.
The most significant direct greenhouse emissions in paint production are generated by burning fuel for heating and internal transport as well as in the production of solvent-borne paints caused by inert cases and by burning the volatile organic compounds.
In Finland, Poland and Germany, wastewater is cleaned at the production facilities. In other countries, wastewater is sent to be cleansed or disposed of by external operators.