The Significance of Sustainability for the Powder Metal Industry

The Powder Metallurgy (PM) industry faces a critical need to reassess its strategies for sustainability due to growing environmental concerns. PM companies must adopt innovative approaches to meet these challenges as the global demand for electrification increases alongside the shift to clean energy. Sustainability is no longer just a goal—it's an imperative that businesses must integrate into their core strategies.

Defining Sustainability in the PM Industry

Sustainability is about meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The PM industry is increasingly driven by factors such as heightened energy risks, the impacts of climate change, emerging regulations, and the growing consumer demand for greener products. Embracing sustainability is essential for mitigating business risks, fostering innovation, and building relationships with stakeholders.

At GKN Powder Metallurgy, sustainability is deeply integrated into our business strategy. Our roadmap includes ambitious targets aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. The three scopes, based on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), are a way of categorizing the different types of greenhouse gas emissions created by a company, its suppliers, and its customers. Essentially, Scope 1 includes the direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company. Scope 2 and 3 are indirect emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.

GKN’s Commitment: A Roadmap to Sustainability : GKNPM.COM

The SBTi has validated that the science-based greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets submitted by GKN Powder Metallurgy Holdings Limited conform with the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard. SBTi has classified GKN PM's Scope 1 and 2 targets in line with a 1.5°C trajectory. Some key goals from the GKN roadmap include:

• Waste Recycling: Divert 100% of waste from landfills by 2030.
• CO₂ Reduction: Cut CO₂ emissions by 42% for Scope 1 & 2 and by 25% for Scope 3 by 2030.
• Renewable Energy: Increase the use of renewable electricity to 70% by 2030 and to 100% by 2050.
• Certifications: Ensure all manufacturing sites are certified under ISO 14001, 45001, IATF 16949, or equivalent standards by 2030.

Measurable Progress

Our progress is measurable. We plan to reduce CO2 emissions by optimizing our arc furnace and recuperative burners and through better controlling furnace utilization by increasing throughput and shutting down equipment when not in operation.  Additionally, we have developed a clean forge process and a new hydraulic system to increase overall efficiency, while heat is reused from sintering furnaces and air compressors for central/district heating.  Finally, green sourcing is imperative to our sustainable process, as we are investing in solar and green energy production like our photovoltaic panels, already in operation in Milan, Bad Bruckenau, and Danyang.

Examples of Global Green Energy Production at GKN

GKN Powder Metallurgy has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning our efforts with the SBTi. This approach validates our strategy, ensuring that our emissions reduction pathway is consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our roadmap outlines key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones that guide our journey toward carbon neutrality.

Life Cycle Assessment in Bruneck

We are dedicated to evaluating the environmental impact of our products throughout their entire life cycle. In 2022, we completed our first Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for a product group at our Bruneck plant in Italy with ongoing assessments for other product lines. The LCA for the Bushings product group was finalized. A science-based analysis conducted by TU München compared the our Sinter turning process with our Additive group and compared the findings to the conventional turning processes. The results showed a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions using the Sinter process and a 25% reduction with our Additive Manufacturing process (AM) when compared to the conventional method. A second LCA, in collaboration with Uni Bozen and GKN Automotive, was started in Q4 2022. GKN will also participate in the South Tyrol Automotive Excellence Group for sustainability, focusing on future analyses of WT products, supported by Uni Bozen’s LCA software, with the aim of calculating and comparing future LCA results.

Data Management and Transparency

Our commitment to sustainability extends to robust data management systems. Tools like iDash and Visual Shop Floor (VSF) enable us to monitor energy consumption, forecast KPIs, and assess CO₂ impact per part. Transparency is key, and we share our data with customers to foster accountability and continuous improvement.

People and Social Responsibility 

At GKN, sustainability is a shared responsibility. We engage our employees through networking, mindset workshops, and clear communication of our global goals. We emphasize health, safety, equality, and diversity; ensuring that our workforce is aligned with our sustainability objectives.

Winning with Sustainability

In the face of global challenges like climate change, GKN Powder Metallurgy is committed to making a positive impact. By reducing our environmental footprint, investing in green energy, and fostering a culture of sustainability, we are not only meeting today’s demands but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates and success stories as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in our pursuit of a greener world.