Innovation

“By processing and using expanded clay blocks, we strive to create a closed production system that minimizes the amount of waste from production” – Deputy General Director, Kalitina Tatiana Ivanovna. Expanded clay concrete blocks are environmentally friendly building materials made of sand, expanded clay based on clay, cement and water. Thus, allowing the use of defective or unused material several times (for example, the company makes curbs and tiles from defective products), performing a cyclical order of actions: mixing of components - forming of products on vibration-pressing equipment - drying of blocks - storage of finished products - transportation of blocks to the customer - gathering of unused/defective products - crushing - mixing of components.

The idea was initiated by the CEO. He understood that such a solution could be beneficial both for the company and for the environment. Further, he turned to technical specialists and engineers to implement his idea, so that they could develop the exact technology of work and collection points. A small research team within the company also took part, which conducted research on the possibility of implementing such an idea and its effectiveness. In addition, we would like to note that the company turned to specialists in environmental issues and sustainable development for advice in the field of waste-free production.

Inspiration

"By implementing this innovative project, we will not only make our production waste-free, but also contribute to a more sustainable construction industry" - these were the words of the Deputy General Director during our interview when we asked what inspired them. Entering the construction materials market any company is responsible not only to its clients but also to the surrounding environment from where it takes resources, not always being able to replenish them and not harm. Efficient use of expanded clay concrete block waste will help preserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the development of a closed-cycle economy in the company's activities.

The motivation was consumer demand as well. Observing what is happening to the environment, many people began to think about how they can reduce their negative impact. Therefore, during the selection process of construction companies and materials, they increasingly began to pay attention to the environmental responsibility of companies and their ability to manage waste. "At the very beginning of our journey, choosing such a material as expanded clay as a source of business, we understood that its ecological feature would help us demonstrate to others that the material could not only be durable and have good sound and thermal insulation qualities, but also safe for their health and nature."

Overall impact

The implementation of an innovation in the building material industry has brought significant positive impacts across various domains. In terms of business, the innovation has led to resource savings, achieved waste-free production, and signaled a shift towards eco-friendly practices. In terms of the society, it has contributed to the conservation of natural resources, local industry growth, and the creation of employment opportunities. From an environmental perspective, the innovation has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimized landfill waste, and lessened reliance on natural resources.

In the short term, the project showcased the effectiveness of material recycling, resulting in rapid production, new partnerships, and increased customer awareness. Looking ahead, the long-term effects include a reduced dependence on natural resources, improved quality of life, and environmental preservation for future generations.

Concrete evidence of these impacts is seen in the company's response to increased demand. The opening of two workshops and a planned third, coupled with an 80% sales growth, demonstrates the tangible success and ongoing improvement of the company in meeting the evolving demands of the market.

Business benefit

Primarily, it is necessary to note the impact of the innovation on the business. The implementation of the innovation had some impact on the business as follows. First of all, it is saving resources. The company now does not need to use more sand, expanded clay, water because the processing of existing resources covers this need. Secondly, it is the achievement of the main goal in the form of waste-free production. The closed path that the expanded clay concrete block makes is a result that does not cause damage either in monetary terms or in physical terms. Thirdly, it is an opportunity for the building material industry to change the focus on the development of new environmental materials and increase companies with waste-free production. However, it is worth admitting that such an innovation required financial investments and time to train employees in a new production process.

Further, the impact of the innovation on the society. Society is one of the main testers of innovation, the impact on which is only positive. Processing of building materials saves natural resources and reduces dependence on their import from different countries. This contributes to the development of local industry and the creation of new workplaces. In addition, the use of recycled material in order to build their own home characterizes the consumer as responsible and caring towards the environment.

Last but not least, the impact on the environment. Nature is the second main tester of innovation. It is nature that covers most of a person's needs and expects responsibility and attentiveness in response. Few people, especially companies, can boast of their attitude to the environment, while this innovation is one of the ways to say "thank you". Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful substances into the atmosphere, reducing landfills and waste, reducing the use of natural resources is a small "drop in the sea of gratitude."

The innovation has a huge impact and both short- and long-term effects. In the short term, the project made it possible to transform the company's activities and demonstrate to other firms that recycling and reuse of materials is a completely effective and favorable way of doing business. A fast component for production, new partnerships and increased customer awareness of the new technology are effects that are quite possible to achieve in a short period of time.

As for the long-term effects, the use of technologies for processing expanded clay and waste-free production can lead to a significant reduction in dependence on natural resources, improve the quality of life of people and preserve the environment for future generations.

In addition, we wanted to know about concrete evidence suggests that this impact has occurred. During the interview, we learned that as a result of this development and the increased demand for environmentally friendly materials, the company was able to open two workshops that have been operating for two years, due to which sales increased. There are plans to open a third workshop. Sales growth at the moment is 80%, while in 2018 it was 60% and in 2013 it was 40%. Thus, allowing us to conclude that responding to increased demand with a profitable offer, the company improves its activities.

Social and environmental benefit

By implementing this approach in its business, the company not only supports one of the Sustainable Development Goals but also benefits. Recycling and reuse of waste allows the company to reduce the cost of purchasing new raw materials and waste disposal, which will lead to money savings. An important advantage of such an innovation is the creation of not just expanded clay concrete blocks, but also a new building material, for example drainage and laying. The development of partnerships is also a benefit for this business. The company offers its partners and customers the service of collecting and processing material, in return receiving additional profit or return services. Undoubtedly, this approach to doing business improves the company's image in the eyes of customers and society as a whole, which also contributes to the development of the organization.

As production becomes more efficient, the consumption of raw materials and energy is reduced. This helps to prevent the depletion of natural resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The project contributes to improving the quality of life of people, as less waste and toxic substances affect the quality of air, soil and water. Reducing waste from the company's activities will contribute to the development of this approach in other construction companies.

Interview

Tatiana Kalitina, Deputy General Director “Kalita”: “Is waste-free production a myth or a reality?”