Pioneering circularity, waste minimisation, and carbon neutrality

Driving sustainability and carbon neutrality in the acoustic industry

The architecture and design industry is continually progressing, and the concept of sustainability has transformed significantly within this context. Once considered a mere technicality or an optional feature, sustainability is now a crucial, value-driven element that is integral to every conscientious design process. There has been a global movement toward sustainable practices, leading professionals worldwide to increasingly prioritise the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable design.

Jonathan Mountfort, creative director at Autex Acoustics, remarks, “Architects and designers have deepened their understanding of sustainability as it pertains to their roles and its impact on individual projects. The focus has shifted from general sustainability considerations to more specific and nuanced inquiries about product specifications and sustainability processes. Similarly, questions about our sustainability practices have evolved from ‘do we recycle’ to ‘how do we recycle.’”

Since its inception in 1967, Autex Acoustics has placed sustainability at the heart of its operations. It’s no surprise that architects, designers, and specifiers would trust in our sustainability credentials. Our first product, insulation, was manufactured with zero waste for decades, setting a high standard for our commitment to environmental responsibility. Today, sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our business, from material sourcing and product design to manufacturing.

Mountfort explains, “Sustainability is inherent in our business operations. It plays a pivotal role in our procurement team’s assessment of potential raw materials and suppliers, considering their environmental and social impacts. Our research and development team also prioritises sustainability, focusing on minimising material usage and designing products for disassembly and recyclability at the end of life. Our production teams are equally dedicated to minimising waste during production and redirecting product trimmings away from landfills.”

This deep-rooted commitment to sustainability drives a range of initiatives aimed at continually enhancing our environmental impact and pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology.

In 2021, Autex Acoustics achieved carbon neutrality across all global operations, including our entire range of acoustic products. We have also adopted a circular economy strategy that guides our products and operations towards clearly defined, regularly reviewed, and continually improving goals. Our dedication to circularity is evident in our ongoing efforts to refine and optimise our processes.

Mountfort discusses an innovative approach to recycling panel offcuts, saying, “Previously, we used recycled manufacturing waste as insulation infill, which was a positive step, but now we’ve pioneered an industry-first process for recycling panel offcuts made from recycled PET. Traditionally, recycled PET was destined for landfills, but our cutting-edge technology can convert recycled PET fibre into solid pellets that can be used by various manufacturers in a wide range of applications.”

This groundbreaking recycling method for panel offcuts not only enhances resource efficiency and reduces waste but also aligns with Autex Acoustics’ goal of repurposing 100% of post-industrial waste into new products, bringing us closer to achieving zero-waste manufacturing. Additionally, we are continually increasing the proportion of recycled content in our products, working towards closed-loop production systems.

These initiatives are particularly relevant with the UK generating an estimated 33.9 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2021 with the construction industry generating 32% of all waste sent to landfill. This is an issue that we are passionate about and are actively striving to have a positive impact through our commitment to circular design.

Mountfort concludes, “As product designers, we prioritise designing for circularity to ensure our products are as sustainable as possible. While products like Frontier™ and our new adhesive-free air-gap system, Lanes™, can be disassembled at the end of their life, our ultimate aim is to have 100% of our product portfolio designed for disassembly. Moreover, we aspire to repurpose all post-industrial waste generated during the manufacturing process into new products, paving the way for zero-waste manufacturing lines. Our commitment to sustainability extends to collaborating with the broader industry to advocate for improved product stewardship, recognising the importance of collective action in achieving a greener future.”

In a landscape where the definition of sustainability is constantly evolving, companies like Autex Acoustics play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable design. By embedding sustainability into our core values, operations, and product development, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and aim to inspire others in the industry to follow our lead.