Sustainable management of solid waste at K1 Group

K1 Group understands that in order for people to live in their dream home, a healthy environment is needed. That’s why in addition to adopting a variety of actions to reduce the impact of our production process, the Group also directs its efforts toward solid waste management.

This matter deserves full attention! Poor waste management can cause serious harm, such as soil, water, air, and even visual pollution. On top of that, depending on the type of waste, even people’s health may be directly at risk.

The importance of waste management in the industry

Waste generated by industrial production processes in 2020 amounted to approximately 41,676 metric tons of hazardous waste, according to the National Solid Waste Inventory, which is part of SINIR (National Information System on Solid Waste Management) of the Ministry of the Environment.

Commitment to sustainability

That’s why K1 Group implements actions that help minimize industrial waste generation. The company also ensures the proper disposal of the waste it generates, always acting responsibly towards the environment and people. As proof of this commitment, the Group generated approximately 10,415 metric tons of waste in 2023/2024. Of this total, 11.24% was allocated to material recycling and 83% to energy recovery, transforming waste into thermal or electrical energy used in other production processes.

Energy recovery: turning waste into energy

Energy recovery is a highly valuable form of recycling, since it turns waste into thermal or electrical energy for other production processes. In the case of K1 Group, this recycling was carried out through waste co-processing in properly licensed ceramic kilns, replacing the use of firewood. In co-processing, the energy released from burning certain types of waste can be used as fuel in cement kilns. That means the cement industry gets to stop using petroleum coke in their production process, using waste with comparable calorific value instead. K1 Group allocated over 8,500 metric tons of waste for energy recovery, contributing to circular economy practices and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels that cause the greenhouse effect, which is responsible for climate change.

Material recycling: conscious reuse

K1 Group transforms discarded materials into new raw materials through recycling, reusing them in their own production processes or in other segments of industry. In 2023/2024, the group recycled 1,170.6 metric tons of waste, including paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and more. Out of this amount, 304.5 metric tons were directly reused in their industrial operations, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and circular economy. 

From plastic recycling alone, K1 Group has avoided the use of 240 liters of petroleum, 1,583.83 liters of water and 608.08 kW of electrical energy. That means by simply reducing the amount of waste in the environment, recycling also prevents the extraction of more resources. The economic, environmental and social benefits are numerous.

Waste that could not undergo recycling was directed to an industrial landfill. The landfill is a site prepared for adequate and safe disposal of waste, without harming the environment. This represented only 2.84% of the total waste generated, and the group is continuously working on lowering this number even further.

Waste management as a principle of sustainability

K1 Group understands the importance and the necessity of solid waste management, and takes on the responsibility of ensuring proper disposal. Good waste management contributes to the environment and to society, reflecting how seriously the company takes environmental matters. It reflects a pursuit of sustainability in its operations, generating value for its clients and for society as a whole. Through understanding that caring for the environment is caring for people, we keep on working and reinventing ourselves so that you can live in the home of your dreams.