Circularity principles are becoming increasingly compelling due to higher awareness and shifting demand towards more sustainable solutions among customers in construction and transportation markets. Sika’s initiatives help the development of a circular economy in its industry. These include partnering with downstream customers, universities and startups to co-design and implement products. Collaboration projects are essential because deep circularity interventions rely on access to cost-effective sustainable energy and renewable/recyclable feedstock with appropriate specifications.
Sika has actively started a few years ago to seek performance enhancements by using recycled materials and alternative non-fossil based raw materials, for example in the field of mortars which are formulated with the addition of recycled aggregates or residues that come from other industries. In addition, projects to use post-consumer recycled plastics in membrane packaging and adhesive cartridges have been successfully developed and introduced together with qualified partners who bring their expertise in material selection, manufacturing process, and packaging designing.
Moreover, Sustainability Portfolio Management (SPM) is the backbone of the Sustainable Solutions strategy and how Sika structures the innovation of cutting edge products which combine performance and sustainability benefits.
Through its sustainable solutions, Sika strives to reduce the resource consumption in downstream industries, such as the construction, automotive, or cement industry, where Sika solutions enable customers to increase the use of recycled input materials.
Around two thirds of all materials used in production – for example for polyurethane adhesives, epoxy-resin products, polymeric roofing and waterproofing membranes, cementitious mortars, polymer concrete admixtures or parts for the automotive industry – are based on crude oil or crude oil derivatives (downstream products) or require fossil fuels for conversion. Other large contributors are sand, minerals, cement, and water.