THE GREAT KNOWLEDGE QUIZ - Duropal

SUSTAINABILITY
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TOP SUBJECT:
Sustainability and Duropal
THREE QUESTIONS FOR REINHOlD HINTERHölZl
How concrete the abstract subject of sustainability can suddenly become is shown by
a look into the day-to-day company business of Duropal. The certified environmental
management system and our three questions to Sales Manager Reinhold Hinterhölzl clearly
demonstrate that here, people think about more than just pure product considerations.
MR. HINTERHÖLZL, WHAT ROLE DOES SUSTAINABILITY HAVE TO
PLAY IN THE DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS OF DUROPAL?
The subject of sustainability is very topical in many of our sales markets, and in particular in connection with
orders placed by public bodies. This criterion also plays an important role in the construction market.
As a responsible manufacturer of wood-based materials, Pfleiderer AG and of course also Duropal, support the
principle of sustainable forestry management. We have therefore decided, in the case of our HPL elements such
as our Duropal Kitchen worktops, to use only chipboard panels which are certified in accordance with the PEFC
(Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).
We have also made it our objective throughout the group to continually improve the environmental
performance of our company. The certification of our environmental management shows that we are on the
right course.
WHAT CRITERIA HAVE TO BE FULFILLED FOR THIS ENVIRONMENTAL
CERTIFICATION?
For certification to the international environmental standard ISO 14001, we have undertaken to substantiate
and document our environmental protection performance. This documentation takes place at various levels,
such as the manual, the process and procedural instructions, and in work instructions. In addition to the
obligatory observation of relevant legal regulations, Duropal is working to the latest status of the technology.
We also face up to our responsibility to ensure continual improvement. All environmentally relevant business
procedures are reviewed, and the environmental effects determined and evaluated. In order to improve
working procedures at interfaces, we clearly defined the responsibilities of the structural and operational
organisation. Environmental management in general is an important component of our integrated management
system for quality, the environment and safety. For this purpose, we use the PDCA cycle for the continual
improvement of processes and procedures.
IS A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION METHOD MORE A COST-DRIVER
OR A COST-CUTTER FOR YOU?
A sustainable method of production is primarily an obligation towards our environment. From the sales point of
view, this requires a corresponding attitude on the part of our customers, although this is not as a rule rewarded
in the form of higher prices. This makes its implementation rather difficult, since the observation of the prescribed
regulations is usually also associated with increased costs and sometimes high administrative effort. Nevertheless
we are sure, that in the long term this approach will be honoured by the market.
64 _ HPL World