Environmental performance: a priority for Thuasne®

Thuasne® announcing an investment of €2 million in its tools And production sites in france

While the economic context is marked by regulatory challenges and rising raw material and energy costs, Thuasne^®, a global player in medical devices, medical compression and sports, has made the strategic choice of investing €2 million in the transformation of its production tool, the energy transition of its sites and the optimization of its logistics processes. This strategic commitment is designed to maintain the company’s investment capacity, which is essential to ensure its dynamic growth and long-term future in a constantly changing environment.

A further step in its CSR strategy, and a strong sign of France’s ambitions to reduce it carbon footprint.

Founded in 1847, Thuasne^® is now one of Europe’s leading medical device companies.
Backed by its regional footprint and international reach, the Saint-Etienne-based mid-sized company is now a global group, present in 110 countries thanks to its 19 subsidiaries on 5 continents, with sales of
€281 million in 2023. From the outset, Thuasne® has been acutely aware of its social role, linked to its healthcare business. Today, this commitment goes much further, with priority given to environmental, social and governance issues. The family-owned company continues to make a constant effort to reduce its environmental footprint while remaining competitive in the face of economic uncertainties. The Group has already installed more than 3,600m2 of photovoltaic panels on its production sites, is implementing a Group-wide waste reduction policy (62% recycled waste and 8% reprocessed waste by 2023) and is conducting a long-term study of eco-design.

Optimized production tools for reduced energy impact

Against this backdrop, Thuasne® is announcing a new investment of €2 million in France, of which
€1.1 million will be dedicated to renewing machinery at its Saint-Etienne production site. Equipment optimization includes the installation of new knitting and covering looms, a dyeing and packaging machine, along with tools for digitalizing quality control. These new, more energy- and water-efficient production tools will also help improve working conditions at these sites by automating repetitive and arduous tasks. Their innovative design supports the desire to lead the way in terms of product quality and traceability.

Participating in the energy transition of commercial buildings

Thuasne®’s CSR approach is partly in line with the targets for reducing energy consumption set by the Éco Énergie Tertiaire (EET) scheme, also known as the «tertiary sector decree». The aim is to achieve a 60% reduction in the overall energy consumption of the tertiary sector by 2050. Thuasne® has carried out energy audits in order to identify areas for improvement in this direction, in order to anticipate the transformations necessary to achieve this objective. These include the replacement of gas-fired boilers at our Martel (Saint-Étienne) plant with an energy mix based on 80% heat pumps. This operation is expected to be carried out by the end of 2024 at a cost of €200,000. It will halve greenhouse gas emissions at the site (74 tCO2e versus 171 tCO2e).

DECARBONIZATION : A LONG-TERM AMBITION

Approximately 30% of France’s CO2 emissions can be attributed to the transport sector. The transformation of supply chains is therefore a major focus of any CSR policy geared towards decarbonization. This sector is also resource-intensive, particularly in terms of cardboard, which is required for packaging. At its Saint-Étienne logistics site, Thuasne® has therefore initiated the installation of packaging machines adapted to a new shipping box format to reduce the consumption of this material. This €700,000 investment will also lead to an increase in the site’s processing capacity.

DÉCARBONER : UNE AMBITION DE LONG TERME

These three modernization operations are part of a long-term effort. Indeed, the Group is working on new ways to reduce carbon emissions: replacement of a boiler, installation of solar panels to heat domestic hot water, development of energy consumption monitoring systems, installation of electric recharging stations and shaded areas in certain parking lots. These projects will provide an opportunity to develop partnerships with players in the regional industrial fabric, making Thuasne® a key player in local development.

CSR AT THUASNE®

As a healthcare player at the service of patients, Thuasne® has opted for sustainable growth based on measurable, attainable objectives. Its commitment is divided into three parts: humans, ethics and the planet.

Thuasne®, which values its local and territorial roots, has always been committed to contributing to the creation of a fair and responsible society. It is a signatory to the Manifesto for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the Economy, and works with organizations dedicated to social and professional integration. It also sponsors young people to help them find employment, and pays the apprenticeship tax to training institutes. Finally, it donates funds and medical devices to support humanitarian, cultural and social causes.

The environment is a priority for Thuasne®. For this reason, the Group is implementing actions such as the installation of 3,600 m2 of photovoltaic panels, heat and water vapor recovery, waste management, including 62% recycled waste and 8% reprocessed waste in 2023 in Saint-Étienne, aluminum recycling (100% in Germany) and the abandonment of single-use plastics. It also integrates eco-design into its R&D programs with a pilot project for the systematic integration of the Ecolizer methodology into its R&D projects, and uses natural materials such as linen, viscose and bamboo fiber.

Finally, Thuasne® adopted a charter in 2016 to define its principles and rules of conduct. It also requires its suppliers to adhere to the same standards, particularly in terms of improving social impact and reducing environmental footprint.

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