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At SchoPlast Plastic GmbH, sustainability is directly linked to the material that accounts for the largest share of our production: urea moulding compound. Around 75 % of our production is based on thermosets – a material that impresses with its exceptional durability, efficiency and environmental compatibility. As an industrial system partner, we see thermosets not merely as a material, but as the key to the sustainable transformation of the plastics industry.

Certified Responsibility

Our commitment to sustainability is regularly reviewed and confirmed: SchoPlast is assessed annually by EcoVadis, the most internationally recognised sustainability assessment programme for companies and supply chains. Furthermore, we are a member of the Saxony Environment and Climate Alliance (Umwelt- und Klimaallianz Sachsen) – a network of Saxon companies committed to resource and energy efficiency, as well as environmental and climate protection.

These assessments and memberships underline our commitment to embedding sustainability in a measurable, transparent and lasting manner across all areas of the company.

Ecovadis Committed Badge | SCHOPLAST PLASTIC GMBH

 

Thermosets – the sustainable material of the future

Thermosets are extremely dimensionally stable, scratch-resistant and temperature-resistant. Their physical and chemical properties enable service lives of up to 100 years – significantly longer than those of conventional thermoplastics. This longevity means fewer replacement parts, lower raw material consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. Compared with other plastics, urea moulding compound (UF) has a carbon footprint of just 1.3 t CO₂/t, whilst also low water and energy consumption. Every thermoset moulded part thus actively contributes to the conservation of resources.

At SchoPlast, urea and phenolic resin moulding compounds are predominantly used for thermosets. The urea moulding compound consists of urea resin, fillers (e.g. cellulose), colour pigments and additives to improve processing properties.

 

Circular Economy and Waste Management

At SchoPlast, sustainability begins right at the production stage: our thermoset waste is sorted by type, processed and reused as a secondary raw material – for example, as a filler in concrete, railway crossings or technical composite materials.

Furthermore, SchoPlast is involved as a network partner in the ZIM ‘2nd Life’ innovation network. Together with companies and research institutions, solutions for a sustainable and circular plastics economy are being developed there. The focus is on durable, demountable and recycling-friendly products, the use of secondary materials, and new processes for the reuse and high-value recovery of plastics. Our aim is to further close material loops, conserve resources and make technical plastic products more sustainable in the long term.

Energy efficiency & a climate-neutral outlook

Our thermoset processing is inherently more energy-efficient than many thermoplastic processes. Through targeted process optimisations, we minimise our energy and material consumption. We also recover heat from production to reuse it within the plant – a closed-loop energy cycle that conserves resources.

In collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), SchoPlast is working on strategies for decarbonisation and the integration of renewable energy into manufacturing.

 

Regionally connected – socially committed

For us, sustainability also means social responsibility: we support the local sports club and have a sponsorship arrangement with the ‘Butterberg-Wichtel’ nursery in Bischofswerda. When selecting our partners, we prioritise local connections: electronic waste is recycled via Lebenshilfe Bischofswerda, whilst metalwork is carried out by local businesses. In this way, value creation and responsibility remain within the region.