We care about tomorrow - an ambitious challenge and a goal at the same time
For Duka, sustainable production and respect for nature and the environment go hand in hand. That is why we act in harmony with nature and take responsibility for creating sustainable products in a sustainable environment.
NEW - Duka packaging
As part of Duka's sustainability initiative 'We think about tomorrow', the carton packaging has been completely redesigned. Colouring and printing on the entire outer surface of the carton is no longer necessary. The significant reduction in the use of colour offers advantages in packaging recycling and increases the stability of the outer carton layer. The customisation of the packaging to the individual product, the sturdy transport handles and the robustness of the carton are of course retained for optimal product protection and easier transport handling.
1. Eco-friendly materials & Made in Europe
As a company which is deeply rooted in South Tyrol, we set great store on top-quality raw material and short distances: Almost all of the materials that we use are sourced from Europe, and our products are manufactured entirely in Bressanone. Regional manufacturing strengthens the local economy and creates transparency. Through strict monitoring of our purchases, we are in a position to guarantee adherence to EU standards and norms throughout our entire value chain.
2. Environmentally friendly production
In the production of our shower enclosures, we pay attention to the lowest possible use of energy and raw materials and use only materials with a low environmental impact and environmentally friendly disposal. We pay attention to sustainability not only during production, but at all stages of the value chain. For example, we source our materials from close by and produce exclusively in our factory in Bressanone.
3. Recyclable materials
Manufacturing to order allows us to calculate raw material consumption with the greatest of precision, and keep our waste residue to a minimum. For us at duka, the use of recyclable materials or materials which can be collected in specialised facilities and disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner is of the greatest importance. This means that we use, for example, untreated polystyrene to package our shower enclosures, which are steam-heated to expand the granules, hence its appellation of EPS – Expanded Polystyrene. The finished moulded components consist of around 98% air and 2% foam, and do not contain flame retardants or similar additives.
4. Heating with industrial waste heat and cooling with river water
Our surrounding factories generate heat that is not entirely used by their production. We use this waste heat to warm up our approx. 40,000 m² of office and production area. In addition, our areas are cooled down with an innovative cooling system that uses the energy of the cool water of the nearby river Eisack.
5. Photovoltaic system
To minimise our impact on the environment, we invest in sustainable energy sources. By installing a photovoltaic system on the roof of our factory in Brixen, we are able to generate green electricity from solar energy. With a maximum output of 960 kWp (kilowatt peak), we reduce our ecological footprint by more than 465 tonnes of CO2 annually. Fun Fact: the photovoltaic system on our roof could supply about 330 three-family households with green energy all year round.
6. EPD- Environmental Product Declaration
For Duka, environmentally-friendly production and sustainable strengthening of nature are not mutually exclusive. That’s why we work together in harmony with the landscape surrounding our headquarters in Bressanone – for sustainable products in a sustainable environment. And this is also why, as coordinators of the “Gruppo di Lavoro Tecnico Cabine Doccia" Shower Enclosure Technical Working Group of the Assobagno* Association, together with leading Italian manufacturers of sanitation products, we were the first company in the world to obtain EPD certification for our shower enclosures. EPD stands for Environmental Product Declaration; It is based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 international standards, and is a globally-recognised, independently-verified system. EPD collects environmental data on the lifecycle of products and calculates their “carbon footprint” - resource consumption is precision calculated and monitored every step of the way, from the use of raw materials all the way through to recycling.
7. A family company - long-term planning comes before short-term success.
“We care about tomorrow”: Our philosophy is not limited to environmental awareness alone, but encompasses a wider sense of social responsibility. As a family company, we strive to create healthy, controlled growth and to ensure our own independence well into the long-term future. We aspire to be a popular employer and a model company in terms of leadership, management and commitment to society and to the environment. We also work closely together with regional specialist wholesalers and local craftspeople and regional economic cycles.