GREEN HUB: A Strategic Vision for Decarbonisation and Environmental Commitment
A Strategic Vision for Decarbonisation and Environmental Commitment
A Strategic Vision for Decarbonisation and Environmental Commitment across Dourdin Decorative Solutions Group
At Dourdin Decorative Solutions, sustainability is more than a trend, it is a strategic imperative embedded across the Group’s operations globally. As the environmental expectations of the market evolve and climate targets tighten globally, Dourdin Group is accelerating its decarbonisation efforts through targeted investments, technological innovation, and localised initiatives that contribute to a lower carbon footprint across its value chain.
This article outlines Dourdin Group’s comprehensive environmental vision, with a spotlight on key initiatives in Portugal, France, Turkey, and Romania. It also highlights the Group’s advanced methodology for calculating and managing product-level carbon footprints, a concrete step towards transparent and accountable sustainability practices.
Harnessing the Sun in Portugal: Green Chrome in Focus
Portugal is at the forefront of Dourdin’s chrome-related operations. As part of the Group’s decarbonisation roadmap, the Portuguese site is spearheading the development and deployment of “Green Chrome”, a more sustainable alternative to traditional chromium finishes.
While Regular Chrome typically involves the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), Dourdin has invested in Free Chrome solutions that comply with REACH regulations by entirely eliminating Cr6+. Taking this commitment further, the Green Chrome initiative now integrates solar-powered electricity into the process, significantly reducing associated emissions.
Thanks to this transition, the Group has already avoided emitting substantial quantities of carbon, as illustrated in the chart: “Cumulative Carbon Savings from Solar Electricity Across the Group.” These avoided emissions directly contribute to
Scope 2 decarbonisation, reinforcing Dourdin’s ambition to align with climate science and client expectations alike.
Cleaner Production in France: Eco-Friendly Fume Treatment
In France, Dourdin has implemented a new ecological treatment method for industrial fumes in the production of decorative films. This state-of-the-art system improves the air treatment process while reducing energy consumption and associated emissions.
The innovation responds not only to tightening environmental regulations but also to the Group’s internal goal of continuous environmental improvement. By investing in this cleaner production technology, the French site is playing a key role in enhancing the overall environmental performance of Dourdin’s film product line.
Turkey: Innovation in Coatings and Assembly
Turkey plays a pivotal role in Dourdin’s operations, particularly in the areas of painting and assembly. Here, the Group is integrating sustainable practices across two core pillars:
By enhancing control over local production variables, the Turkish site exemplifies how environmental performance can be improved without compromising on design precision.
Romania: Fully Electric Presses and Energy Efficiency
In Romania, the spotlight is on industrial machinery — specifically, the introduction of fully electric presses. These machines represent a leap forward in both productivity and sustainability. Compared to traditional hydraulic systems, electric presses offer:
This technology aligns with Dourdin’s broader commitment to investing in cleaner, smarter, and more resource-efficient production systems across all sites.
A Group-Wide Methodology for Product Carbon Footprint
Beyond site-specific innovations, Dourdin has developed an advanced methodology to calculate the carbon footprint of each commercialised product. This approach, validated by leading clients including Stellantis, Faurecia (now Forvia), and Volvo, enables precise carbon accounting across all Scopes (1, 2 and 3), and includes:
In less than 48 hours, Dourdin can deliver accurate carbon figures for any new or existing product, supporting its clients in achieving their own carbon transparency goals.
This capability is particularly relevant in the current regulatory and market context, where carbon disclosure is becoming not only a moral imperative but a business requirement. It also underscores Dourdin’s role as a proactive and trusted partner in the journey to net-zero.
Industrial Localisation: A Lever for Carbon Modulation
Another key element of the Group’s environmental strategy is the localisation of production. By offering multi-site manufacturing options, Dourdin allows clients to optimise the environmental profile of their products. Depending on the selected site, material, and energy source, the carbon weight of a product can vary significantly, a lever that can be used to reduce emissions without altering the design or functionality of the component.
This approach transforms the production network into a strategic tool for sustainability, allowing flexibility and responsiveness in an increasingly demanding market.
Conclusion: A Group-Wide Commitment to a Sustainable Future
From solar-powered plating in Portugal to electric presses in Romania, Dourdin Decorative Solutions is pursuing a coherent and ambitious decarbonisation pathway. Each site brings its own contribution to this global effort, reinforcing the Group’s identity as a leader in sustainable decorative solutions for the automotive and consumer industries.
Through investment in technology, data-driven carbon analysis, and close collaboration with clients, Dourdin not only meets but anticipates the environmental expectations of tomorrow’s industry. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Dourdin remains committed to turning environmental responsibility into a source of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term value.
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