Low-CO₂ solvents thanks to the circular economy
For decades, the solvent specialist from Offingen has been practicing recycling management and is one of Europe’s leading experts in solvent recycling. Some of the distillates save up to 90 percent CO₂ compared to fresh goods.

25 percent less gas as a result of a modernized rotary kiln
Richard Geiss GmbH is able process up to 50,000 tons of used goods per year into high-purity distillates at its site in Offingen. “Thanks to the modernized rotary kiln, we now generate around a quarter of the energy for the distillation process ourselves at our site and therefore save gas, which reduces the CO₂ footprint of our solvent recyclates enormously,” explains Bastian Geiss. The modernization of the rotary kiln has also significantly expanded the range of materials that can be recycled there. This has also doubled the incineration capacity: from 3,000 tons to 6,000 tons per year.

Another advantage: Since the solvent specialist can independently thermally recycle the residues from distillation directly on site, it has not only further deepened the concept of the circular economy, but also saves on logistics and transportation routes. The family business estimates that thanks to the modernised rotary kiln, there will be a good 300 fewer truck loads per year that were previously sent for external disposal. This is also a plus for the environment and saves CO₂.

65 percent self-sufficient power supply
Not only does Richard Geiss GmbH produce its own heating energy, but also 65 percent of the electricity that it needs, in the form of hydropower and solar energy. The solvent specialist consumes around three million kilowatt hours of electricity a year, as much as almost 750 four-person households. Some two thirds of this comes from a hydroelectric power plant and a photovoltaic system at the Offingen site. “For years now, we have been pursuing a self-sufficient energy supply. For us, it is particularly important that the electricity we produce ourselves comes from renewable energy sources,” emphasizes Bastian Geiss.

Most of the electricity produced is supplied by a hydroelectric power plant at the site, one that the solvent specialist has been operating for decades. About two thirds of the electricity from this flows into the production of Richard Geiss GmbH every year. Since 2014, a solar system has been supplementing power generation at the site. More than 260,000 kWh per year come from the PV system, which also feeds 100 percent directly into the company.

Transport and mobility
When it comes to the transportation of solvents and the mobility of employees, the Richard Geiss GmbH also pursues an environmentally friendly approach. Solvents are increasingly being transported by rail for distribution. In 2023, 170 tons of CO₂ were saved thanks to rail transport. With its own state-of-the-art fleet of vehicles, the recycling company not only offers a complete all-round service for customers, but also maximum safety when transporting the solvents.

There are also e-charging stations in the Offingen parking lot. They are available for employees to “refuel” their electric vehicles. The company has already converted 13 company cars to hybrid. Also cool and green: Richard Geiss GmbH offers its employees bike leasing for an environmentally friendly and healthy commute.

Demand from politicians: climate-neutral industry
“Everybody wants a climate-neutral industry: the German government by 2045, the EU by 2050. Especially the chemical industry is facing major upheavals and has to make various adjustments in order to achieve this goal,” explains Bastian Geiss, Managing Partner of Richard Geiss GmbH. “That is why we continue to focus consistently on the circular economy and the reprocessing of solvents in order to conserve resources. We also produce most of the energy we need ourselves and want to expand this even further in the future,” says Bastian Geiss, giving an insight into the future.

A study conducted by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) in 2019 has shown thatGreenhouse gas-neutral chemistry in Germany is technologically possible; the key to zero CO₂ is primarily in the type of energy supply. At present, this still comes largely from fossil fuels. “We show how things can be done differently: with a circular economy and self-produced energy,” emphasizes Bastian Geiss.

About Richard Geiss GmbH
Located in Offingen in the district of Günzburg, Richard Geiss GmbH is one of Europe’s leading specialists in the field of solvent recovery. The company produces high-purity distillates from solvent waste by distillative processing. Richard Geiss GmbH supplies solvents for use in industrial surface cleaning, textile cleaning and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Contract degreasing completes the range of services as the fourth business segment. Richard Geiss GmbH employs around 100 people in Offingen. The company has an approved processing capacity of 50,000 tons of solvents per year which are processed into high-purity distillates and it is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 and as a waste management company. Richard Geiss GmbH was founded in 1959 by Richard Geiss. Today, Bastian Geiss is the third generation to run the family business.

Info:
Richard Geiss GmbH
Lüßhof 100, 89362 Offingen, Phone + 49 8224-807-0, info@geiss-gmbh.de, www.geiss-gmbh.de

Press contact:
Bettina Nilius, Marketing
Tel. 08224-807-91, bettina.nilius@geiss-gmbh.de