BEST PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABILITY
A Circular Hilti Tool Case
Imagine a sea of red Hilti tool cases. Each one isn’t just a box – it’s a symbol of quality, trust, and now, sustainability. At Hilti, we’ve taken our iconic tool case and turned it into a shining example of how we’re embracing a circular economy.
A New Life for Old Tool Cases
It began with a simple idea: Why throw away old tool cases when we can turn them into new ones? By recycling materials, including those from our own tool cases, we can reduce waste, and use resources smartly towards a more sustainable future.
“Circular Hilti tool case is a lighthouse project that shows our ambition to be our customers’ best partner for sustainability,” says Bernhard Strack, Head of Circularity at Hilti.
How It Works
All the black material in our tool cases produced in Switzerland is recycled material. For the red parts, more than 10 percent comes from old Hilti tool cases. The challenge is getting enough old cases back to make this work. That’s where Hilti’s Fleet Management comes in.
With Fleet Management, we collect tools, batteries, and tool cases from our customers at the end of their contracts – at no extra cost. These returns come to our Tool Service Centers. There, experts assess the tool cases for reuse. If reuse is not possible the material is shredded, ground, cleaned, and sorted. The recycled material is then used to create new tool cases.
Meeting the Highest Standards
Recycling doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Bernhard Strack explains: “Quality is key. We test our products extensively to meet strict standards, including the UN regulation while maintaining the iconic red color.”
The UN regulation requires cases to pass a demanding drop test: being dropped from 1.2 meters in freezing conditions (-80°C) without breaking. Our tool cases, including recycled materials, meet these high standards, making this circular initiative possible.
Quality is key. We test our products extensively to meet strict standards, including the UN regulation while maintaining the iconic red color.
Bernhard Strack, Global Head of Circularity at Hilti
Overcoming Challenges
Creating a circular tool case was not easy. Finding the right partners and technology, developing advanced imaging systems to separate black and red materials effectively, and ensuring every recycled material meets Hilti’s strict quality requirements were some of the challenges we faced and addressed. The circular tool case is Hilti’s first closed-loop recycling project – but it won’t be the last.
More Than a Tool Case
Next time you hold one of our red tool cases, remember: it’s more than a case. It’s part of a sustainability story, one that combines innovation, purpose, and our commitment to reducing waste. Together, we’re rethinking how we use resources, building a future that’s better for everyone.
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