Solar panels
We have been operating photovoltaic solar panels since 2012 to increase our energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future. Our first installation had a capacity of 290,880 Wp. Two additional installations followed in 2019, totalling 281,481 Wp, and we expanded our solar panel system once again in 2023.
Today, we have as many as 3,054 solar panels, accounting for an installed capacity of 966,160 Wp. In 2023, these solar panels produced 558,738 kWh of green electricity. We maximise renewable energy by utilising every available square inch of roof area, including that of the sand canopy with 86,100 Wp.
For future expansions, we will continue to evaluate new opportunities for additional solar panels, enabling us to further reduce our ecological footprint.
Rainwater harvesting
At Nelissen, we are fully committed to sustainable techniques to minimise our water consumption. We collect rainwater that falls on our property and direct it to a wadi (a storage and infiltration system). At high water levels, we pump this water to a buffer basin, after which it is used in our production process.
We reuse this water for wetting clay and flushing the toilets in our office building. The rinse water from the moulds in the factory is also purified and reused in a closed circuit.
These efforts significantly reduce our use of piped and groundwater, an important step towards a more sustainable future.
Planned drying
Drying bricks requires a lot of energy to heat the air and pass it through the drying chambers. At Nelissen, we increase the energy efficiency of this process with planned drying. This innovative technology better matches drying cycles and makes optimal use of the residual heat of our kilns. The result? A significant reduction in gas consumption in our drying facilities.
Sustainable pallet packaging
Since 2023, we have been using shrink wrap made of 50% recycled material and with a maximum print coverage of 10% for our pallets. The limited printing makes the shrink wrap easy to recycle as transparent film, simplifying its reintegration into the supply chain.
Pallet recovery
Nelissen contributes to a sustainable future by allowing customers to return used pallets. By reusing these pallets, we reduce waste while promoting circularity within our operations.
Quality and environment first
At Nelissen, we are committed to continuous improvements in our production using the ISO 9001 quality management system and the ISO 14001 environmental management system. These standards enable us to continually raise quality standards and minimise waste. We also actively engage our employees through a local platform to identify wastage, such as compressed air leaks, and quickly report any issues. This is how we combine efficiency with sustainability.
Brick waste as a raw material for substrates
At Nelissen, we give brick waste a second life by using it as a raw material for sub-foundations and as a sustainable component in roof garden substrate. Thanks to our resource declaration from OVAM, the brick rubble can be used as an officially recognised soil improver. With the help of an external partner, we ensure that any disposed brick waste is processed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.