"The focus was on whether recycling is possible and whether the recycled grain has an impact on the performance of our abrasives," explains Dr. Matthias Alschinger, Norton Quality Manager EMEA. "Extensive tests have confirmed that recycled grains achieve the same performance as new ones. And product safety was equally guaranteed. The results were validated in extensive tests."

Pioneer in the production of wheels from recycled abrasive grain

With the development of the latest generation of Norton Expert cutting and grinding discs, Norton is one of the pioneers in Germany in the manufacture of discs made from recycled abrasive grain. The cloth discs developed for the DIY market consist of 25 % recycled abrasive grain and have a steel ring made of recycled metal in the middle of the disc. In total, Norton uses at least 14% recycled material. Each disc is also provided with an EPD.

Conserving resources, avoiding waste

"We are working every day to further improve our ecological footprint. The use of recycled materials and our new recycling service for ceramic-bonded abrasives are important building blocks for greater sustainability. We are delighted to have closed another important loop, to be able to conserve resources and reduce waste and also to continue to drive forward the decarbonization of abrasives."

Simply recycle residual materials

The recycling service is based on a simple and economical system: interested customers first contact Kominex. There, the residual materials are evaluated and a location-specific, tailored offer is drawn up. This procedure ensures that the product cycle is closed and that Norton has access to the recycled material.

Quickly packed in big bags

In the next step, the used abrasives are packed in big bags - Kominex can provide these on request - and prepared for collection. The vitrified bonded discs are separated by type: aluminum oxide discs (corundum) and silicon carbide discs (SiC) must be collected in separate big bags.

The big bags are then packed onto pallets. The minimum weight per pallet is 0.5 tons and the minimum quantity for a collection is 2 pallets. As soon as these requirements are met, the collection can be easily ordered by e-mail.

Single-variety for recycling

"The principle of our recycling is as simple as it is efficient. There are only a few points that must be observed. For example, the delivery must always be sorted by type. For example, ceramic and resin-bonded tiles must not be mixed. The wheels must also have minimal residue and must not be impregnated with oil or chemicals. Resin-bonded grinding wheels and other grinding materials such as CBN, diamond or rubber-bonded abrasives are not suitable for this recycling service."

Source: Norton, Saint-Gobain Abrasives GmbH