ABB has launched a forward-thinking partnership with Stena Recycling AB to optimize the recycling of its wood waste. At its robotics facility in Västerås, Sweden, ABB generates approximately 1,300 tons of wood waste each year, primarily from pallets used to transport robots and equipment. This collaboration aims to significantly increase material recycling rates while reducing ABB’s overall environmental impact.
“This collaboration with Stena Recycling plays a key role in ABB's sustainability strategy, supporting our progress toward achieving our environmental goals,” said Ingrid Sefastsson, Head of Sustainability at ABB Sweden. “By increasing our material recycling rate, we are actively contributing to the development of a low-carbon society and shaping a more sustainable future together.”
As part of the process, Stena Recycling collects wood waste from ABB’s facilities and transports it to their plant in Eskilstuna. There, the wood is processed into chips using specialized chipping equipment. The recycled material is carefully inspected to ensure high quality before being delivered to a leading Swedish furniture manufacturer, where it is transformed into particle boards for new furniture production.
Several other ABB divisions and factories in Sweden have now joined the initiative, with Stena Recycling expanding its wood waste collection across more of ABB’s sites. This expansion further reinforces ABB’s dedication to sustainability.
Instead of using the wood waste for energy recovery, the process focuses on material recycling, which offers greater environmental benefits. The recycled wood is repurposed by a leading Swedish furniture manufacturer, enhancing resource efficiency and reducing the demand for virgin raw materials.
"Our collaboration is an excellent example of how we can work together to create a more circular economy," says Filip Lovemalm, Key Account Manager at Stena Recycling. "This is the first solution of its kind in Sweden and a significant step towards sustainable wood waste recycling. The recycled wood waste is used as raw material for new products, contributing to sustainable resource management."
