Used grinding tools must be disposed of as residual waste – unless they are recyclable. Norton now offers a particularly sustainable and economical recycling service for ceramic bonded grinding tools: production waste is collected from the customer, sorted, processed, and reintroduced into the material cycle. New grinding grain is created from the used grinding tools in this way. The recycling service of the grinding tool specialist conserves resources, consumes less energy, and reduces waste volumes.
Norton offers its recycling service for ceramic bonded grinding tools in collaboration with KOMINEX Minerals + Processing GmbH & Co. KG. KOMINEX is responsible for the collection of used grinding tools and their proper recycling. At the end of the recycling process, Norton purchases the recycled grinding grain from KOMINEX to produce new grinding tools.
Recycled Grain with Top Performance
The fact that the recycling cycle from residual waste to new grinding tools works perfectly is primarily the result of a multi-year research and development project, during which Norton and KOMINEX have intensively investigated the recycling of ceramic bonded grinding tools. 'The central questions were whether recycling is possible and whether the recycled grain affects the performance of our grinding tools,' explains Dr. Matthias Alschinger, Norton Quality Manager EMEA. 'Comprehensive tests have confirmed that recycled grains achieve the same performance as new ones. And product safety was equally guaranteed. The results were validated in extensive trials.'
Pioneers in the Production of Discs from Recycled Grinding Grain
With the development of the latest generation of Norton Expert cutting and grinding discs, Norton is considered one of the pioneers in Germany in the production of discs made from recycled grinding grain: The fabric discs developed for the DIY market consist of 25% recycled grinding grain and feature a steel ring made from recycled metal in the center of the disc. In total, Norton uses at least 14% recycled material. Furthermore, each disc is equipped with an EPD.
Conserving Resources, Avoiding Waste
'We work daily to further improve our ecological footprint. The use of recycled material and our new recycling service for ceramic bonded grinding tools are important building blocks for more sustainability. We are pleased to have closed another important cycle, conserving resources and reducing waste, and furthermore advancing the decarbonization of grinding tools.'
Easily Recycle Residual Materials
The recycling service from Norton is based on a system that is both simple and economical. Those who wish to take advantage of the service first contact the Norton recycling partner KOMINEX via the specially set up email address sga-recycling@hengegroup.com. There, the residual materials are assessed and a location-dependent, tailored offer is created. This procedure ensures that the product cycle is closed and Norton can access the recycled material.
Quickly Packed in Big Bags
In the next step, the used grinding tools are packed in Big Bags provided by KOMINEX upon request and prepared for collection. The ceramic bonded grinding discs are separated by type: aluminum oxide discs (corundum) and silicon carbide discs (SiC) must be collected in separate Big Bags.
Subsequently, the Big Bags are packed onto pallets. The minimum weight per pallet is 0.5 tons. The minimum quantity for collection is 2 pallets. Once the minimum weight or minimum quantity is reached, collection can be easily ordered via email.
Sorted for Recycling
'The principle of our recycling is as simple as it is efficient. There are only a few points that must be strictly observed. For example, delivery must always be sorted. Ceramic and resin-bonded discs must not be mixed. The discs must also have only minimal residues and no impregnation with oil or chemicals. Resin-bonded grinding discs and other grinding materials such as CBN, diamond, or rubber-bonded grinding tools are not suitable for this recycling offer.'
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