Hilti explains circularity

24 November 2023

Hilti offered some fascinating insights into how sustainability impacts construction and related industries in a recent webinar. 

The event was presented by Caroline Stern, the manufacturer’s Head of Circular Economy, who said that the construction industry was responsible for 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions accruing from the building, use and demolition of facilities. It also accounted for one third of the energy consumed and produced one third of the solid waste generated. 

Caroline emphasised how the circular economy is about much more than simply recycling: it involves the whole product lifecycle, from the design and the raw materials used in manufacture, to transportation, repair and product procurement (as mentioned in an earlier blog post).

Hilti commissioned the BCG consultancy to create a measure of circularity to help gauge progress made and figures are published annually in the manufacturer’s Sustainability Report. 

Caroline said that Hilti’s Fleet Management service could optimise tool procurement and usage, and the company uses and increasing proportion of recycled plastic in the iconic red boxes used to store and transport the products. 

Interestingly, she said that recycling electronic components could bring quality benefits because early failures could be eliminated. 

Also, recognising the increasing use of timber in construction, tools for connecting wood represented a growing market.