In 2024, we’ve been hard at work advancing our sustainability ambitions across the organization. This page showcases a selection of projects that demonstrate the progress we’re making: from reducing waste and energy use to developing smarter materials. Each initiative reflects the practical steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact and turn our sustainability goals into measurable results.
As part of CENTROTEC Industries, CES integrates sustainability into every aspect of its business. From designing energy-efficient
gas flue systems to developing smarter building materials, sustainability guides our decisions and innovations. By combining
global reach with local impact, we create solutions that reduce environmental impact, support the energy
transition, and contribute to healthier, more responsible buildings.
Converting our products to include recycled material doesn’t happen overnight. At our Ubbink site in Doesburg, R&D manager Robert Wantia explains: “We’re running several projects to increase the use of recycled materials, both from internal and external sources. We’re installing grinding mills next to our injection molding machines so production waste can be immediately reused. We’re also testing new types of recyclate, including colorless material that allows us to produce more colours than just black or dark grey.
To guarantee consistent quality, we perform UV aging tests to ensure recycled materials are suitable for long-term outdoor use. And for new products, we aim to design them with the right recycled plastics from the start.”
Examples of products already converted include our Valetis range for the Dutch market, our Air Excellent connector rings, and our bird screens for PV installations.
In 2024, we launched the Ubbink Buffer Tank at our Centrotherm plant in Brilon, Germany, starting production of the first 200 units using a one-piece flow process. All pipes, couplings, and valves are precisely welded to the top and bottom covers using a specially developed welding cell, ensuring top quality and reliability.
These assemblies are then joined to the sheet metal casing via precise round seam welding. Our systems can handle tanks up to 1.5 m in diameter and 2.5 m in length. After welding, each tank undergoes leak testing and foaming before being connected to the outer shell for stability and insulation.
“We are setting new standards in efficient, environmentally friendly, high-quality buffer tank production,” says Raino Rieseler, Managing Director of Centrotherm.
To support future growth, Centrotherm Eco Systems relocated from downtown Albany to a modern facility in Waterford, NY. Warehouse and manufacturing operations moved in late 2023, followed by extrusion and all remaining departments in early 2024. By week 10 of 2024, the site was fully operational with all Safety and Quality processes in place.
The new location enabled major upgrades to plant layout, lighting, equipment, and safety procedures, driving a step-change in safety culture. An internal assessment in September 2024 confirmed CES as a leading example within the group, demonstrating a hands-on, bottom-up approach to safety.
Group-wide assessments in 2024 also strengthened safety practices across our UK and Italian offices and at the MAGE manufacturing plant in Germany.
Last year, Ubbink France invited six leading French trade journalists to visit our factory in Doesburg. Representing major industry publications, they share insights with a wide audience of installers, designers, architects, and technical experts.
The day began with a welcome and presentation from Group Marketing Director Stephanie Geelen and Steven Meun, who introduced our company and sustainability approach. They were later joined by R&D manager Robert Wantia, who highlighted our commitment to innovation and sustainable product development.
The visit concluded with a factory tour featuring technical demonstrations and discussions with our team, giving the journalists a clear look at our expertise, production processes, and future ambitions.