Home » About » Sustainability » Circular economy

Mission 2: Building a circular economy

We’re taking a more circular approach to our solutions, as well as introducing circularity as a requirement in product and supplier criteria. Central to our work is reusing, recycling and remanufacturing as much as possible as we implement our Supplier Code of Conduct.

To keep us on track, we’re working on a detailed roadmap, which involves embedding circularity into our supply chain and product development. Additionally, we’re introducing material passports and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).

Over the past year, we have:

issued the first of many material passports at the first design stage to help us identify any hazardous or conflict minerals
guided 75% of our product development teams through circular design training
redesigned the shipping frame for our CROSSORTER deck, improving load efficiency by 60%
taken back EUR 2.8 million worth of unused equipment left over at the end of projects for redeployment to other sites
launched a zero-waste campaign at our Veghel facility to encourage recycling, including items such as used workwear
started an internal pilot looking at data use to improve product performance and reduce waste.

“With circularity, we’re trying to do more with less – it’s about being innovative, reusing materials where we can, as well as recycling and remanufacturing.”

Bart van Dartel

Senior Manager Sustainability and Circularity

Technology to predict baggage breakdowns

Breakdowns in baggage handling systems can lead to flight delays and lost luggage. At Schiphol Airport, we’re developing condition-based maintenance through the installation of sensors on our equipment that allow us to gather data on vibrations and variations in temperature. We can use this information to predict more than 25% of breakdowns before they happen.

We also recently introduced predictive maintenance at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3. Being able to schedule maintenance work will help airports avoid downtime, save on spare parts and reduce delays for travellers.

Our circular economy action for the future

Over the next few years, we will:

buy bio-based, recycled or recyclable materials when possible as we develop new solutions
continue to increase circular design training
introduce standard requirements for new products, covering areas such as energy use and minimum lifetime for parts and components
facilitate repair and replacement schedules
add “quick scan” LCAs to the product development process as a basis for zero-waste life-cycle planning, and to support one-off decision making
and continue working to find solutions for traditionally non-recyclable waste.

Download Vanderlande’s Sustainability Report FY2024

Vanderlande has published its FY2024 Sustainability Report, which details the steps that have been taken to reduce the company’s carbon emissions and its reliance on scarce natural resources, as well as efforts to create a safe environment for people who use its solutions.

Download

Our other sustainability missions

Zero carbon footprint

We’ve created a roadmap to identify the main areas where we can reduce emissions upstream, downstream and in our own operations. We will be designing more energy-efficient solutions and products, and working closely with suppliers to reduce emissions from parts, components and equipment.

Fulfilling experience

Much of our success as a company depends on our people, and creating a working environment that offers a fulfilling experience. That means protecting those working with our solutions, encouraging more women into our workforce, and offering training and career development.

Good business

A growing number of laws and regulations affect our business. The Good Business programme ensures compliance, while helping us maintain high ethical standards. As part of this programme, we are strengthening vetting of suppliers, investing more in cybersecurity and embedding risk management into our operations.

Segments

Solutions

Segments

Channels

Solution Finder

Solutions

Mission 2: Building a circular economy

Technology to predict baggage breakdowns

Our circular economy action for the future

Download Vanderlande’s Sustainability Report FY2024

Our other sustainability missions

Zero carbon footprint

Fulfilling experience

Good business