Bystronic and Zühlke uncover carbon reduction potential of 50%

Bystronic is a globally leading technology company that supplies high-quality solutions for sheet metal processing. By nature, sheet metal processing is resource- and emission-intensive. Machines must be durable and powerful to bend and cut metal sheets for decades, and the use of such machines requires significant amounts of energy.

Bystronic and Zühlke share a common belief that sustainability is an opportunity to do business better. That's why we joined forces on a transformation journey to significantly reduce emissions of bending and laser cutting systems, foster decarbonisation for Bystronic’s clients, and set a pioneering example of sustainable business in the sheet metal processing industry.

Life cycle assessment as a basis for the sustainability transformation journey

As a first step of the transformation journey, the team evaluated the status quo. We conducted a life cycle assessment of the bending and laser cutting solutions to identify the largest emission drivers. Next, we mapped them with the key parts and functions of the machines based on our sustainable product innovation approach. The analysis revealed some anticipated, but also some surprising insights. While the significant potential of reducing steel and electricity consumption was expected, the unexpectedly high impact of nitrogen consumption on CO₂ emissions was quite surprising.

“Zühlke's contribution to our mission of decarbonising the metal processing industry has been invaluable. Their comprehensive life cycle assessment laid the groundwork for our sustainability initiatives, uncovering significant opportunities for CO₂ reduction”, says Bystronic’s CTO Christoph Rüttimann. “Thus, we're not just making better machines; we're creating a sustainable future for our industry and our clients.”

50% CO2 emission reduction creates real and ongoing business value

By conducting a more thorough study in close collaboration with Bystronic, we converted the insights of the analyses into actionable activities. Optimising resource utilisation, embracing circularity strategies, and aligning with genuine client needs resulted not only in a potential carbon emission reduction up to 50% but also in decreasing operational costs.

Now, Bystronic has established clear directions for carbon emission reduction and laid the foundation to build new generations of laser cutting and bending systems. Adopting this sustainability-centric approach not only leads to increased efficiency but also provides tangible and ongoing business value for Bystronic – both ecologically and economically. Bystronic is thus able to combine the two essential business imperatives of sustainability and profitability, thereby creating a real competitive edge.