Höganäs Brazil receives sustainability award for use of plastic pallets
January 16, 2024
Höganäs AB’s Brazilian operation has been awarded a prize in the environmental category of the AGFE 2023 ESG Awards for its project to exchange wooden pallets for plastic alternatives. The AGFE business development agency is a non-profit entity whose purpose is to generate opportunities for social and economic development in the Mogi das Cruzes region, where Höganäs’ Brazilian operations are located.
Compared to wood, the lifecycle of plastic pallets is said to be around 17-22 times longer. At just 12.5 kg each, the plastic pallets are also 17.5 kg lighter than the wooden alternatives used at Höganäs, which weigh in at 30 kg each. The company stated that the expected payback time is twenty-four months, with savings of approximately $29,000 per year. Additional benefits, such as increased durability, hygiene, uniformity, sustainability, and safety, were also reported.
The AGFE award included a social prize of approx. $1,000, which Höganäs donated to APAE – the Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional of Mogi das Cruzes, who have been operating in the city for almost fifty years and offer education, health and social assistance. APAE works to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities and offers support for families with leisure, sport and cultural activities.
“Knowing that our operations are becoming more sustainable every day due to the ideas and desire of our employees motivates us to do more and more. Being able to contribute to society through the recognition of internal projects makes us even happier,” stated Adriano Machado, president of Höganäs in Brazil.
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