Vallourec North America is Committed to Sustainability through its Recycling Journey
At Vallourec North America, we know that sustainability is not a destination—it’s a journey that requires commitment, innovation, and continuous improvement.
In the heavy industry sector, recycling can present unique challenges, but we’ve made it a priority to not only meet but exceed industry standards. We know that recycling is crucial in our industry because of the environmental benefits of conserving natural resources and preventing pollution, but also for the energy conservation associated with avoiding new raw materials from being used. Those reductions can lead to significant energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
A 98% recycling rate in 2024
Our efforts have consistently focused on minimizing our environmental footprint by reducing waste generated and limiting what is sent to landfills. Today, we’re proud to share our significant progress and the steps that brought us to a 98% recycling rate in 2024.
From 2015 through 2020, we maintained an 86-91% recycling rate. This was already an above-average achievement in heavy industry, where complex processes can make recycling especially challenging. Yet, for us, this was just the beginning. We knew there was more we could do.
A top-to-bottom review of our waste management practices
Our recycling rates climbed steadily: from 91% in 2020, to 95% in 2023. Finally, in 2024, we achieved a remarkable 98% recycling rate. Reaching this milestone involved a top-to-bottom review of every aspect of our waste management practices. We evaluated everything from incoming packaging and container return, to reimagining new ways to recycle materials that had previously ended up in landfills. This “whole process” approach has been central to our strategy.
A dedicated financial investment in recycling initiatives: A step toward a more sustainable future
In 2021, our executive leadership took our commitment even further by making a dedicated financial investment in recycling initiatives. This support allowed us to introduce more advanced technologies and expand our capabilities to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As a result, we now successfully divert nearly all our waste from landfills.
Our achievements reflect a dedicated, continuous effort to improve. We recognize that sustainable practices are vital not only for our company but for the communities and environments we operate within. By aiming to maximize our recycling and minimize landfilled waste, we’re leading a path toward a greener future for our industry.
At Vallourec, our recycling and reduction journey is far from over—but it’s a journey we are proud to be on, and we look forward to the next chapter.