Pla-Mek® was awarded the Sunflower Prize in 2024 for its targeted work with recycled plastic and the circular economy – as the first industrial company ever.
Pla-Mek® awarded the Sunflower Prize – the first industrial company to receive the honor
With over 55% recycled material in production and close collaboration with environmentally conscious customers such as Ekornes and Vartdal Plast, we show that high quality and sustainability go hand in hand.
10.06.2024
How can a plastics manufacturer contribute to a greener future?
Crucial to be able to document reduced emissions
Plastic is a valuable material—when used responsibly. At the same time, the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. For customers like Ekornes and Vartdal Plast, it’s essential to document reduced emissions and deliver more sustainable products.
Pla-Mek® set out to solve a clear challenge:
How can we produce high-performance plastic components while contributing to a circular economy?
Our solution: Strategic use of recycled plastic and technical adaptation
We’ve worked systematically for years to make plastic production more sustainable. For us, it’s not just about using recycled materials—it’s about using them correctly.
Our approach is built on three key principles
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Technically optimized mould tools
Designed to handle recycled plastic with high performance
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Active collaboration with raw material suppliers
To ensure access to increasingly better and more sustainable materials.
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Close cooperation with customers
To identify components that can be produced with a lower footprint—without compromising function
A good example is our initiative with Ekornes and the Stressless® Dining chair. We proactively proposed using recycled plastic and partnered with Energiråd to optimize the entire production process.
The result: Reduced emissions and industry recognition
In 2023, 55% of the plastic we used was recycled—a total of approximately 450 tonnes. This includes materials like discarded ropes and soda caps that might otherwise end up in nature or the ocean. For Stressless® Dining alone, our solutions contribute to a CO₂ reduction of 1,160 tonnes per year. In 2024, this effort was recognized with the Sunflower Prize—Sykkylven SV’s annual environmental award. Pla-Mek® is the first industrial company ever to receive the prize. The jury highlighted our innovative work, collaborative approach, and targeted contributions to the circular economy.
“We’re expanding our use of recycled plastic. Our moulds are designed to perform well with recycled materials. We also explore new, eco-friendly raw materials to strengthen our capabilities.
Bjarne Olav Velle
Salgssjef i Pla-Mek AS
Collaboration and the road ahead
We’re proud to deliver recycled plastic components to customers like Ekornes, Vartdal Plast and Vik Ørsta—and to work with partners who share our environmental focus.
“As a supplier, it’s important for us to help make our customers’ products as environmentally friendly as possible.
If we see an opportunity to reduce the footprint, we don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Pla-Mek® is your partner for innovative and responsible plastic solutions—developed with the environment, functionality and future in mind.