RECYCLING OF HEAT EXCHANGERS

The partnership is a result of Stena Recycling’s collaborative arena Circular Initiative and a first step towards a circular strategy for Alfa Laval’s product portfolio as well as an important part of the company’s goal of becoming carbon dioxide neutral by 2030.

“Collaboration with Alfa Laval shows, once again, the effective circular solutions we can create when we work together,” says Fredrik Pettersson CEO for Stena Recycling, Sweden. “At the same time as the industry receives help with major energy efficiency measures, we ensure a high degree of recycling of older and inefficient heat exchangers in Sweden. These materials can then be used as circular, high-quality raw materials for new products, including the new heat exchangers that Alfa Laval manufactures.”

There are two objectives of the initiative: The first is to promote and facilitate the shift from less energy-efficient plate heat exchangers to new modern products. This will lead to significant energy savings and reduced carbon dioxide emissions in Alfa Laval’s customers’ processes. Secondly, heat exchangers contain large amounts of valuable metals that will be recyclable and reusable in new Alfa Laval products. Stena Recycling’s innovative technology enables up to 100 percent metal recycling.

“This is an important step towards a more circular and sustainable strategy for material production, manufacturing and product delivery,” says Susanne Pahlén Åklund, head of Alfa Laval’s Energy Division. “Initially, the recycling initiative will include the Nordic region and three types of heat exchangers, but we see major opportunities in expanding to other product groups and geographical areas in the future. It’s a win-win situation for the benefit of both our customers and society.” 

HOW THE TAKE-BACK SYSTEM WORKS

• Alfa Laval collects heat exchangers from its customers and replaces them with modern energy-efficient heat exchangers.
• This collaboration guarantees sustainable and environmentally efficient recycling through the take-back system.
• Collaboration also ensures that the heat exchangers do not end up in second-hand markets with continued operation with low energy efficiency.
• When the heat exchangers arrive at Stena Recycling, the metals are recycled – thanks to innovative technology – to almost 100 percent.
• The metals are then sold mainly to Swedish and Nordic companies, where they can be returned to Alfa Laval’s production.
• Alfa Laval’s customers receive a discount on the new heat exchangers, based on the material recycling value. The only condition Alfa Laval sets is that their customers must place their orders online and return the old heat exchanger that they want to replace.