Sustainability at ACTech - Responsibility with a Vision

A central component of our environmental strategy is the consistent use of renewable energies. Our  Our plant 2 für machining and testing is powered by a photovoltaic system with 1,738 panels covering a roof area roughly equivalent to that of 76 houses. The planned annual output of 792,000 kWh will cover around a third of our annual electricity requirements at our second site and will make a significant contribution to reducing our CO₂ emissions.

The electricity generated flows directly into our production - from machines and compressed air to ventilation and cooling systems. Our aim is to use more than 95% of the energy generated ourselves and further increase our energy efficiency.

We make the best possible use of available energy through heat recovery systems. And we bundle processes - e.g. by simultaneously heat treating several parts in a large oven - and actively reducing energy consumption.

We also take a consistent approach to recycling management:

• Our foundry sand is fully recycled,into brick or concrete production.
• Where possible, metal waste is directly melted down again internally. Non-recyclable residues are returned to the material cycle as high-quality recycling material.
   

When selecting operating materials, we pay attention to environmental compatibility.  

Every time we order hazardous materials, we check whether a substance is necessary and environmentally friendly. As a result of this decision making, we only use BPA-free binders in our mold production process. 
 

We also aim to ensure to sustainability when procuring materials. 

For example, we use iron from old railroad tracks and rely on secondary materials from the recycling process for aluminum.
 

Another example is our responsible use of machines. 

Instead of new investments, we rely on retrofitting equipment we already have. For example, our older X-ray system was completely overhauled and brought up to the latest technical standard - a resource-saving way of keeping technology usable in the long term.

In the area of mobility, we are working on gradually converting our fleet of vehicles to e-vehicles - over 40 vehicles are to be replaced. The first electric vehicle is already in use.

At ACTech, we combine sustainability with economic thinking. Energy efficiency, resource conservation and process-optimized work pay off twice: for the environment - and for the long-term success of our company.

The measures described above enable us to permanently reduce our operating costs. For example, heat recovery saves energy, the bundling of production steps reduces machine running times and the use of secondary raw materials reduces material costs.

Investing in long-lasting technology by modernizing instead of purchasing new equipment also strengthens our economic sustainability. We minimize risks and at the same time ensure efficient production through clear internal approval processes for handling hazardous substances.

In this way, we ensure the stability and growth of our business model  with ecologically sensible measures.

For us, sustainability does not end with energy and materials. It is also reflected in the way we treat our employees, in the design of our working environment and in our awareness of the bigger picture.

One example is our commitment to sustainable mobility in everyday life: with the JobRad program, we enable our employees to commute to work in a climate-friendly way. Our annual bicycle campaign, where we reward CO₂-free journeys to work, saved 3.36 tons of CO₂ in 2024.

In our outdoor areas, we create natural recreation zones with ponds, flowering meadows, nesting boxes and an insect hotel. These not only offer biodiversity, but also a real quality of stay during breaks.

Weekly fruit days, ergonomic workstations and the involvement of our employees in sustainable processes strengthen their awareness and identification with our goals. 

Our sustainability measures are regularly certified, including in accordance with ISO 14001, and are transparently included in the annual sustainability report of our parent company Materialise. These reports not only document the projects we have implemented, but also reflect the progress and goals we are pursuing together within the Group. This close connection to Materialise ensures that our environmental and sustainability strategy is in line with our corporate goals. 

Conclusion: Sustainability is more than just a goal at ACTech

Whether ecological, economic or social - we see sustainability as a dynamic process that is constantly evolving. We focus on renewable energies, economic efficiency, a circular economy, durable technology and a dedicated team. ACTech is always thinking ahead: for our company, for our employees - and for the world of tomorrow.