From relighting to strategic CO₂ reduction: Unilin drastically cuts both costs and emissions

Smart energy management as a strategic necessity

As an international manufacturing company with high energy requirements, Unilin faced a clear challenge: how to reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions without compromising operational efficiency. At the same time, the company wanted to future-proof its sites and respond to increasing pressure from regulations and market expectations.

For Unilin, sustainability was not an abstract ambition, but a strategic choice to remain competitive in the long term.

Targeted investment in smart lighting with immediate ROI

Together with Encon, a bespoke solution was developed to optimise industrial lighting. Modular LED lighting, equipped with light sensors and presence detection, was installed in seven production halls across three sites. This ensures that energy is only consumed when needed, without compromising employee comfort or safety.

In addition, an ESCO financing model was used for two sites. This means that the investment was fully borne by Encon, while Unilin repays the installation through the energy savings achieved. The result? A project that finances itself and generates positive cash flow from day one.

This is Delivering Profitable Sustainability in practice: sustainability that pays off not only environmentally, but also financially.

Measurable impact: less CO₂, lower costs and higher efficiency

The results speak for themselves:

• CO₂ reduction: over 704,000 kg per year
• Equivalent to approximately 29,000 trees or 58 hectares of forest
• Cost savings: approximately €96,600 per year

In addition to the financial gains, the solution also delivered:

• Increased working comfort and safety
• Lower operational risks
• A clear step towards CO₂ neutrality

By integrating sustainability into operational decision-making, Unilin strengthened not only its environmental performance, but also its profitability and competitive position.