A concept is an idea or belief that underlies the goals you want to achieve and the decisions you make. No Roof To Waste is Derbigum's sustainable and circular concept, which actually started back in the 1990s and could be divided into three themes: the recycling of old roofing materials, the production of sustainable and circular new roofing products and the further expansion of the concept.
Derbigum started recycling its own production residues and cutting residues collected on its works back in the 1990s. "Whereas the recycling process initially started with a relatively small supply of recycled bitumen, from the years 2006 and 2007 it has grown into an indispensable part of our production," says Atze Walsweer, Technical Manager at Derbigum. "Meanwhile, the intake of old, existing bituminous roofs has also become an important part of our recycling process. Regardless of the brand. At our plant in Perwez, Belgium, approximately 5,000 tons of bituminous roofing materials are recycled per year. Our ambition is to expand this amount to as much as 10,000 tons in the future."
Bituminous roofing is 100% recyclable, Walsweer emphasizes. "At Derbigum, one kilo of recycled bitumen guarantees one kilo of new bitumen. We are unique in this procedure and the number of projects in the Netherlands collecting old roofing for recycling is increasing rapidly. To make projects circular, the new roof is naturally fitted with a Derbigum roof with recycled bitumen. So in theory, the roof owner gets back a percentage of his old roof."
Since 2007, Derbigum has been producing and supplying the top layer Derbigum NT (New Technology) and the underlayer Derbicoat NT. "These roofing membranes have approximately 25 and 30% of recycled content, respectively," Walsweer says. "The inlays are made of recycled material. In addition, 'Derbitumen' has been added; our designation for bitumen produced from the recycling process."
Importantly, this preserves the proven quality of Derbigum roofing membranes.
"Clients are assured of a strong product, with a high passability rating and a proven lifespan of over 40 years. A big advantage in these circular times is that Derbigum approved roofers have been making NT projects since 2007. This gives us so much practical experience and know-how that - combined with various studies - we can guarantee that our NT products achieve the desired quality. NT products are a permanent part of our delivery program for renovation roofs and new construction roofs, with Derbigum NT also being an important incentive for designers who have to make MPG calculations. This is because of its low MKI value, which allows Derbigum NT to be included in the National Environmental Database. In addition, Derbigum NT has Cradle-to-Cradle certification."
Within the No Roof to Waste concept, in which Derbigum issues a CO2 reduction certificate and a take-back certificate for recycling for the Derbigum NT and Derbicoat NT products, Derbigum is not standing still. At the end of 2023/beginning of 2024, the product range will be expanded to include a Derbicolor NT (slate coating) and a root-resistant Derbigum NT WW, concludes Walsweer.
"LCA calculations are also being made of these products, based on which an addition to the National Environmental Database will follow. And this is just the beginning. With the No Roof To Waste concept, we are making choices that will bring us ever closer to our goals, namely environmentally responsible products with high quality as well as a long lifespan."
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