Reworked components lower lifecycle costs and reduce environmental impact

• Sustainability initiative
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Sustainability goal: environmental 

Two of Bruks Siwertell Group’s 2030 environmental sustainability targets are to reduce its carbon emissions by 50 percent, in comparison to levels recorded in 2019, and to reduce waste to zero. 

The Group consists of a collection of strong, market-leading product brands within the bulk handling, wood processing and forestry technology industries. Forestry Technology Group (FTG) Baltic, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, is one of them. 

FTG Baltic specializes in the modular manufacture of forestry equipment, and is undertaking a strategic waste-reduction program to adapt and reuse components that have become obsolete as a result of design advances.

Solution and results

This year, FTG Baltic is pioneering an innovative initiative that is turning the challenge of repurposing outdated manufacturing components, which are often difficult to make compatible with newer designs, into a sustainability opportunity. This work is designed to contribute to Bruks Siwertell Group’s circular manufacturing strategy, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact, and reducing waste.

“As we refine designs to meet changing market needs, some older components inevitably become outdated. However, anyone with experience in manufacturing knows that ensuring full interchangeability between older and newer parts can be very challenging, sometimes even impossible,” says Ulf Godtman, Quality and Sustainability Manager, FTG Baltic.

“Rather than letting these components go to waste, we have made it part of our sustainability practice to rework and adapt them wherever possible. This hands-on approach not only saves valuable materials but also reduces waste, lowers energy use, and decreases costs; all while supporting Bruks Siwertell Group’s wider goals of cutting carbon emissions across the value chain,” Godtman adds.

Applied examples of this work include: converting short trailer rear stake-supports into extension-type supports through additional welding; modifying outdated trailer draw-bars to accommodate new pump and platform holders; adjusting brake cables to suit current systems; and reworking crane arm pins by altering dimensions and end fittings. Each of these modifications extends the service life of materials and components, and avoids the need for new production.

Godtman also points out that this project complements FTG Baltic’s other sustainability initiatives such as increasing renewable energy use, tree-planting projects, and workplace safety improvements.

“We are proud that our practical, hands-on approach demonstrates how even small, everyday manufacturing choices can add up to a meaningful impact. FTG Baltic will continue to seek new ways to minimize its footprint and support a sustainable future for forestry equipment,” concludes Godtman.

The measurable impact of this initiative will be assessed annually, with early results demonstrating the value of innovative thinking around modular designs and how small, incremental changes can reduce environmental impact. FTG Baltic also sees clear potential for scaling these practices across the Group, as similar opportunities for reworking parts are likely present at other facilities.

Monitoring and assessing sustainability milestones and achievements

Bruks Siwertell Group’s sustainability goals are assessed from an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) perspective, with each initiative falling into one or more of these categories. This is to clarify how different initiatives impact our overall sustainability work, and how their results can be used to maximum effect. It also contributes to our commitment to transparency. All aspects of our sustainability work are designed to be educational, so that we increase our knowledge and adjust our ambitions accordingly.