Sustainability
Since our founding in 1913, sustainability has been an important part of Sneeboer’s vision. From the very beginning, we have been producing tools that last a lifetime, paving the way for consumerism: choosing quality over products that need to be replaced quickly. But we don’t stop at the lifespan of our tools. We have taken great steps to make our production processes more sustainable. For example, we generate our own energy with 332 solar panels, which we use to power our innovative Bodor 12kW plate laser and induction generator, among other things. These machines enable us to produce more efficiently, while drastically reducing our CO2 emissions and consumption of raw materials. In the video below and on this page, we show you how we bring tradition and modern technology together to make high-quality, sustainable products with minimal environmental impact.
Solar Panels
In 2020, we took an important step toward sustainability by installing 332 solar panels on the roof of our building. These panels generate approximately 100,000 kWh of clean energy annually, which at the time enabled us to achieve an energy-neutral production process. Since then, we have not been idle: through smart optimizations and more efficient production methods, we have already managed to reduce our energy consumption to just 60,000 kWh per year. This means that we are now not only energy-neutral, but even produce excess green energy which we feed back into the energy grid.
Inductive heating
Since 2023, we have been using an innovative Himmelwerk induction generator, powered by the energy of 332 solar panels, to heat our metal. This new method replaces the traditional coke-fired forging fire, eliminates dependence on fossil fuels and reduces our CO2 emissions by over 12,000 kg per year. Thanks to the precision of induction heating, we not only improve the quality and durability of our tools, but also contribute to a cleaner planet.
Laser cutting
At Sneeboer, we strive to improve our production processes with an eye on sustainability but while maintaining quality. Our recent comparison between the Resato ACM1500 water cutter and the Bodor 12kW plate laser led us to choose laser cutting as the future. Not only is the Bodor plate laser 77 times faster than the water cutter, it also requires no water or abrasive material, which significantly reduces its environmental impact. In addition, the laser cutter is much faster and more accurate, resulting in less material waste and lower energy costs per product. This directly contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions and makes the production process more efficient and sustainable.
Laser Welding
Laser welding offers significant durability advantages over traditional welding methods such as MIG/MAG and electrode welding. The process uses a concentrated beam of light to melt and join materials together, creating a very strong and accurate weld. This reduces not only energy consumption, but also the need for post-processing, requiring fewer additional materials and tools. In addition, laser welding is faster, which further lowers overall energy consumption and reduces CO2 emissions. Because of this efficiency, laser welding contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing process with a smaller carbon footprint.
Reduce and recycle waste
At Sneeboer, we are committed to circular production by fully recycling all waste generated during our manufacturing process. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to turn residual materials into new products. In 2023, we developed a revolutionary method of sawing and processing stems on a wood lathe, creating new handles for our hand tools. We place enormous value on quality, which is why only the very best stems are attached to our tools. Stems that fail our strict quality inspection are given new life as handles, which not only significantly reduces our waste production, but also contributes to the sustainability of our products.
These developments are just some of the steps we have already taken, and we continue to constantly seek new innovations to further improve our sustainability. At Sneeboer, we are determined to continually optimize our processes and create an even greener future.