▶ Highest Tier Certified by Leading Global Environmental Safety Science Organization
▶ Custom Recovery Solutions Turn Foundry Sand, Waste Synthetic Resins, Dust, and Cutting Fluids into New Resources
▶ Eco-Lubricants and Recycled Materials Drive Circularity Across Full Product Lifecycle
HD Construction Equipment announced on the 12th that its Incheon Campus has received the highest Platinum rating for Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) certification from UL Solutions, a global leader in safety science, for the second consecutive year.
ZWTL is an international certification that assesses a facility's ability to manage resources in a circular manner. It verifies waste management practices, including recycling and energy recovery, based on the waste generated at business sites. Facilities are awarded ratings of Platinum (100%), Gold (95–99%), or Silver (90–94%) based on their recycling rates.
After achieving a Gold rating for four consecutive years starting in 2021, the HD Construction Equipment Incheon Campus became the first facility in the construction machinery industry to reach a recycling rate of 99.54% last year, earning its first Platinum rating. By maintaining this top-tier status again this year, the plant has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to resource circularity.
HD Construction Equipment is dedicated to developing resource recovery methods specifically designed for the unique characteristics of each type of waste. For example, foundry sand, which is used to mold products by pouring molten metal, and process dust are processed separately for recycling into raw materials. Waste synthetic resins and waste wood are shredded to create Solid Refuse Fuel (SRF), while cutting fluids used in metal machining are reused after impurities are removed.
To reduce packaging waste from the delivery of raw materials and components, the company has replaced traditional wooden pallets and cardboard boxes with steel pallets and reusable Danpla (plastic) boxes. Additionally, it has implemented a resource circularity system to collect and reuse used packaging materials.
HD Construction Equipment is enhancing its resource circularity initiatives beyond just managing waste on the shop floor. The company is now focusing on improving resource sustainability throughout the entire product lifecycle, which includes development, operation, maintenance, and disposal.
To reduce the environmental impact at the end-of-life stage of its equipment, HD Construction Equipment has developed biodegradable lubricants that are suitable for hydraulic systems and engines in construction machinery. In addition, the company has developed parts made with 20% to 30% recycled materials and is currently validating their performance for use in both internal and external product components.
"Earning the ZWTL Platinum rating for two consecutive years is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our executives and employees to establish a resource circularity framework and minimize waste," stated an official from HD Construction Equipment. "We will continue our resource circularity initiatives throughout all aspects of our operations, from plant management to product usage and disposal."