Worcester Bosch and Grundfos partner in Take-Back Scheme Trial to promote circular economy
Worcester Bosch and Grundfos are proud to announce a pioneering trial Take-Back partnership for end-of-life pumps.
For many years, each boiler that has returned to Worcester Bosch has been stripped down to its component parts and those parts sent for recycling. This new initiative takes it one step further, with Worcester then returning the collected pumps to Grundfos for them to undergo remanufacturing processes to create new, high-performing pumps from the recycled and reused materials. These remanufactured pumps are then sold exclusively by Grundfos as part of their portfolio offering.
Representing a significant move towards circular thinking within the industry, this project significantly enhances environmental performance, aligning with Worcester Bosch’s and Grundfos’ established commitment to resource conservation.
"The Grundfos Take Back Pilot aligns with our commitment to sustainability and our efforts toward achieving material efficiency and waste reduction. Collaborations with key suppliers like Grundfos are crucial for achieving broader sustainability goals and creating a positive impact on both the environment and society."
In the first 6 months of the pilot launch in January 2024, 4.6 tonnes or 900 pumps have been processed. The manual disassembly process for returned circulator pumps takes place at the Grundfos facility in Sunderland, where operations are run entirely by an inclusive workforce. This specialised process consumes15% less water than conventional recycling processes, and simultaneously reduces CO2 emissions by 10%; reusing magnets also enables the recovery of rare-earth material that would be lost by standard recycling processes. Both returned pumps and warranty returns are disassembled into clean, raw-material fractions and reusable components – an approach that underscores both companies’ dedication to minimising environmental impact while fostering circularity in product lifecycles.
This is the first time Grundfos has collaborated on a Take-Back partnership with an OEM customer in the UK.
Ninoslava Zvicer, Divisional DBS & Indjija Plant Environment, Health and Safety Senior Manager, said:
"There are so many circular ways to think and act, in every corner of the organization end-to-end, ensuring a sustainable today and tomorrow. The Circular Partnership approach we have taken with OEM customers goes beyond regular business. It builds stronger business relations, fosters engagement, and strengthens collaboration by a shared commitment to enhancing sustainability and mitigating CO2 emissions. The Circular Partnership with Worcester Bosch has opened new possibilities for contributing to our shared goals of sustainability, resource efficiency, and responsible business practices."
To learn more, please visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk and grundfos.com.