krafton® CSR and guaranteed return policy

In order to ensure the circularity of FRP Bridge Decks by krafton®, we have set up a guaranteed return policy. Thanks to this guaranteed return policy, bridge deck operators can return their FRP Bridge Deck when a temporary construction project has ended or when the service life of the FRP Bridge Deck is nearing its end. Used FRP Bridge decks can often start a second life, as good as new, without (major) repair works. After all, with its strong structure and long service life, the UV, corrosion and chemical-resistant FRP material is almost impossible to break. If the FRP Bridge Deck is truly beyond repair after nearly 100 years, it will be completely recycled and processed into new constructions.

In addition to our sustainable production processes, the guaranteed return policy is an important part of our commitment to minimising our carbon footprint. As a socially responsible entrepreneur, we want to offer our clients an effective tool to make assets more sustainable with the guaranteed return policy.

In Guaranteed return policy encourages reuse of FRP Bridge Deck

krafton® has a policy of contributing to prestigious innovative and sustainable developments. This is reflected by our support for the HAN ‘Solarboat’ project set up by students of Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen, for which we sponsored thThis guaranteed return policy encourages us, and our clients, to reuse FRP materials rather than produce new bridge decks. As such, we are continuously exploring how and within which applications we will reuse the recycled glass fibre-reinforced plastics. For example, we are developing proprietary processes for recycling shredded FRP material into high-quality new products. This includes recycling discarded polyester wind turbine blades and boats. With our guaranteed return policy, we contribute in a responsible and sustainable manner to reducing clients’ excess materials, and emissions during production.

The return policy process

If a client decides to make use of krafton®’s guaranteed return policy, we initiate our return process. We make sure that we have enough storage space, for example, and explore how we plan to give your FRP Bridge Deck a second life in new projects as soon as possible.

Returning an FRP Bridge Deck is relatively easy. Once we have agreed on a return date, your contractor or in-house service dismantles and transports the FRP Bridge Deck. The FRP Bridge Deck is as easy to disassemble and transport as it is to assemble. We subsequently provide assistance, if necessary, with disassembly and prompt reception of the bridge deck. Clients are responsible for the operational execution of the dismantling and transport, as well as for any additional costs.

How often have returns been executed?

The temporary subway platform on the North/South Line in Amsterdam os a good example of the implementation of the guaranteed return policy. For this project, the Municipality of Amsterdam was looking for a sustainable temporary platform in collaboration with Heijmans Infra BV. Just like other (semi) public sector organisations, the Municipality of Amsterdam is in the middle of a transition to make its assets more sustainable. Not only would the realisation of a subway platform made of wood or concrete result in too many emissions, the realisation of such structures is also very time-consuming and labour-intensive.

By using FRP Bridge Decking Planks, the Municipality of Amsterdam was doing more than just meeting its sustainability requirements. They also managed to realise a subway platform in a reasonable timeframe using krafton®’s rapid assembly methods. Since the FRP subway platform has only been bearing loads over a relatively short period of 5 years, the planks can be reused.

Guaranteed return policy and reuse

WouReuse of bridge decking starts after we accept receipt of a used FRP Bridge Deck in the factory based on the guaranteed return policy. We check whether any of the FRP Bridge Decking Planks are not suitable for reuse, due to damage. In the rare event that this turns out to be the case, we shred these planks and process them into new FRP Bridge Decking Planks. This is how we assure the circular properties of FRP Bridge Deck, but not before our experts have assessed whether we can repair and reuse the FRP Bridge Decking Planks. If we find, following a strict inspection, that the used FRP Bridge Decking Planks do not need to be shredded, we store them at our premises after a short treatment. The FRP Bridge Decking Planks get a second or even third life fairly quickly, depending on the types of orders. We only decide to recycle if this is really not possible.