In 2024, we’ve been hard at work advancing our sustainability ambitions across the organisation. This page showcases a selection of projects that demonstrate the progress we’re making: from reducing waste and energy use to developing smarter materials. Each initiative reflects the practical steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact and turn our sustainability goals into measurable results.
As part of CENTROTEC Industries, Ubbink integrates sustainability into every aspect of its business. From designing energy-efficient
ventilation and heating solutions to developing smarter building materials, sustainability guides our decisions and innovations. By
combining global reach with local impact, we create solutions that reduce environmental impact, support the energy transition,
and contribute to healthier, more responsible buildings.
Converting our products to include recycled material doesn’t happen overnight. At our Ubbink site in Doesburg, R&D manager Robert Wantia explains: “We’re running several projects to increase the use of recycled materials, both from internal and external sources. We’re installing grinding mills next to our injection moulding machines so production waste can be immediately reused. We’re also testing new types of recyclate, including colourless material that allows us to produce more colours than just black or dark grey.
To guarantee consistent quality, we perform UV aging tests to ensure recycled materials are suitable for long-term outdoor use. And for new products, we aim to design them with the right recycled plastics from the start.”
Examples of products already converted include our Valetis range for the Dutch market, our Air Excellent connector rings, and our bird screens for PV installations.
At our Doesburg plant, we’ve introduced LCIA — Low Cost Intelligent Automation — to replace traditional assembly lines and boost sustainability. While products remain the same, many have been standardised, reducing excess inventory and improving efficiency. Where possible, products now use click connections instead of glued joints, supporting circular design principles.
Yield losses have been minimised through direct quality control and built-in poka-yokes, resulting in less waste. Packaging has been optimised with reusable crates, and suppliers are encouraged to use standard packaging to further cut waste. The factory footprint has also been halved while maintaining output.
Ergonomics and workplace safety are a priority, with risk assessments guiding adjustments to reduce physical strain. Together with our colleagues on the shop floor and in engineering, we continuously look for improvements in our work methods.
To meet new challenges and opportunities, our group is adopting more agile ways of working that complement our existing methods. Cross-group teams are already collaborating in new ways, supported by the “New Ways of Working” (NWoW) project team led by HR Director Susanne Frank. “It’s not only about new tools — we also need an open mindset and active exchange to respond flexibly to today’s challenges,” she explains.
Early initiatives include Mystery Coffee, launched in summer 2024 to help colleagues connect and spark new ideas, and the rollout of our Leading Principles, which guide how we work and lead across the group. A toolbox with templates for agile methods has also been introduced to support teamwork and personal development.
Together, these initiatives help us work more effectively, develop our people, and stay agile for the future.
Last year, Ubbink France invited six leading French trade journalists to visit our factory in Doesburg. Representing major industry publications, they share insights with a wide audience of installers, designers, architects, and technical experts.
The day began with a welcome and presentation from Group Marketing Director Stephanie Geelen and Steven Meun, who introduced our company and sustainability approach. They were later joined by R&D manager Robert Wantia, who highlighted our commitment to innovation and sustainable product development.
The visit concluded with a factory tour featuring technical demonstrations and discussions with our team, giving the journalists a clear look at our expertise, production processes, and future ambitions.