We give energy to gain energy

As early as 2003, AW committed to the wide ranging measures of the ‘Flemish Covenant Energy Benchmarking’, leading to more energy efficient production processes.

In 2016, AW acceded to the ‘Energy Policy Agreement’ of the Flemish region where its plant is located, thus sustainably anchoring energy-efficiency as a driver of its business.

Besides continuous monitoring, AW’s energy policy focuses on investments in energy-efficiency measures such as heat recovery, relighting and the optimisation of steam generation. This enabled AW to reduce its energy consumption by 24% between 2015 and 2020.

AW also participates in the European Emissions Trading System. The company has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 25% in 5 years and will continue the process in the coming years.

We embrace solar power

AW has installed 12,000 photovoltaic solar panels on the 5.5-hectare roof area of its production plant in Ronse in Belgium. Some 75% of the panels’ production is used on-site, representing 20% of the company’s total electricity consumption. Thanks to these solar panels, 18,000 tonnes less CO2 will enter the atmosphere over a period of 20 years.

Waste prevention, no waste to waste

AW pursues a far-reaching waste prevention policy and is constantly looking for efficient solutions for the reuse and recycling of waste. Within the space of 5 years (2015-2020), AW succeeded in reducing the amount of waste it produced by 27%.

Most of the waste that cannot be avoided is treated by specialised waste processors and recycled into fibres, textiles and construction materials. Only a small amount of residual waste is turned into fuel for cement ovens and power stations.

Reduce, reuse, recycle content

Sustainability is at the heart of AW’s product development. The company is increasingly opting for recycled materials for its products, thus helping to raise awareness by encouraging consumers to make eco-conscious choices.

With its Sedna® brand, AW was the first to put super soft carpet made with Econyl® yarn on the market. Econyl® is a regenerated nylon yarn made from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets, old carpets and production waste.

Sedna® and Gaia® brand carpets are fitted with an ECO FusionBac textile backing made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

We look out for you

Caring for the environment also means caring for you. As a production company located in the vicinity of a residential area, AW is conscious of the impact it has on its surroundings. There are ongoing consultations both with people living in the neighbourhood and with the local authorities, in a constant search for the best ways to limit possible nuisances.

For example, sound levels in the neighbourhood are measured regularly to check the performance of the soundinsulation installations. AW also installed a biofilter, which purifies the air emitted by the latex unit used to make carpet backing. The biofilter removes more than 80% of the odour from the treated air.

Innovating for a better tomorrow

Innovation is a core feature of AW’s strategy. The company takes part in various research projects, with the objective of making products and processes even more sustainable.

AW is also a member of ECRA (European Carpet and Rug Association) and actively contributes to the steps taken by the association to lead the carpet industry towards a circular economy.