Categoria: blog

  • Sustainable management of solid waste at K1 Group

    Sustainable management of solid waste at K1 Group

    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.

  • Preserving nature is an art: greenhouse gases and climate change

    Preserving nature is an art: greenhouse gases and climate change

    Preserving nature is an art: greenhouse gases and climate change

    Protecting nature is essential to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for all

    Here at Idélli, part of the K1 Group, the largest furniture group in Latin America, we are profoundly committed to this cause. Our love for nature and the well-being of the planet guides our practices and innovations.

    Lately, we have observed extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent, such as heatwaves, tropical storms, droughts, blizzards, tornadoes, and tsunamis. These drastic climate changes are a clear reminder of the importance of understanding and combating the greenhouse effect, one of the main causes of these changes.

    With this in mind, we have prepared this article exploring what is the greenhouse effect and how Idélli, through initiatives by K1 Group, is acting to minimize its impacts. Read on!

    What is the greenhouse effect, after all?

    The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon, necessary for life on Earth. It means part of the heat irradiated by our planet is retained, ensuring adequate temperatures for the survival of all beings.

    When solar energy reaches the atmosphere, it is partly absorbed by the oceans and the surface, and partly reflected back into space. Part of this reflected energy gets retained by the greenhouse gases (GHGs), increasing the average temperature on Earth by about 25 °F. If it wasn’t for this natural effect, the average temperature would be around 0.4 °F, making the planet uninhabitable. 

    However, the concentration of these gases, once balanced, is now far greater, retaining more heat and resulting in a significant rise in global temperature. This unbalance is the main cause of global warming and, in turn, of the extreme weather events we are currently witnessing.

    What causes the increase in greenhouse gases?

    The increase in GHGs in the atmosphere is a direct result of human activity. 

    Since the Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels, deforesting and other unsustainable practices have greatly increased the release of these gases, setting off a global climate crisis.

    According to the IPCC’s (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Sixth Assessment Report, which included scientists from 195 countries, the current global temperature increase of about 2°F is already causing significant impacts, especially on vulnerable populations. 

    The situation is extremely critical, with the impacts of climate change becoming more and more irreversible, demanding immediate and effective action.

    How K1 Group minimizes their impact

    With 28 years in the market, K1 Group’s mission is to make it possible for everyone to live in the home of their dreams.

    As the largest furniture group in Latin America, we acknowledge our commitment to the environment and everyone involved. We develop sustainable and responsible practices on a daily basis, aware that the essence of our business lies in nature.

    Our journey started with the forests which supply wood, our primary raw material. And with a manufacturing area of over 2.15 million sq ft and approximately 1,800 employees, we are constantly innovating to integrate well-being, quality of life and environmental preservation. 

    Since 2021, K1 Group has prepared a Greenhouse Gas Inventory, guided by the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program. This inventory allows us to identify the primary sources of GHG emission and implement the necessary improvements.

    We are focused on minimizing our impacts through various courses of action, such as a conversion to a 100% renewable energy matrix, reverse logistics of packaging and an array of improvements to our industrial processes.

    On October 10, 2023, we earned the Silver Seal from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, a recognition of our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Transforming environments, preserving nature

    At Idélli, as part of K1 Group, our commitment goes beyond bringing sophistication, innovation and technology to homes. We spare no efforts to transform environments, preserving nature.

    Through sustainable and responsible practices, we aim to align our purpose of creating the dream home for our clients with the urgent need to protect our planet. Our commitment to environmental preservation is an expression of our love for life and for nature.

    We all have a role to play in reducing the effects of climate change and looking for solutions that ensure a better future for our planet. Do your part! Choose brands that are committed to protecting the planet. Loving and caring for nature is, in fact, an art we must all practice.