Picture frames produced sustainably
Our contribution to climate neutrality
Since we started building picture frames, our focus has been on high quality and durability in addition to easy and convenient framing. Our first magnetic frames were sold in 1979 and still work as they did on day one. We know private collectors and museums who are among our first customers and still have frames from the early 80s in use today. In our work, we pay a lot of attention to the points of durability, production in Germany, sustainable materials and economical use of resources. Only this way we can make our contribution to climate neutrality.
Durability
The longevity of our products is directly linked to the solid construction. It starts with the strong base element made of a welded steel angle composite with glued-in hard foam board, continues with the profile frame, sides connected by steel angles and ends with a sturdy 3 mm thick glass.
As long as the frame does not fall down, it will last for decades. The magnetic force will also remain the same. If something should break, all parts of the frame are available individually as replacement parts and are still compatible with the frames from the very first hour.
The packaging is resealable and reusable and is ideal for storage between exhibitions.
Timeless design
What is the point of a functioning frame if it goes out of style? Our design is still clean, simple and timeless after all these years. Simple geometry and tasteful colours without changing fashion trends harmonise with the tastes of every era. Our design classic and bestseller Alu 8 silver matt has remained unchanged for almost 50 years and its restrained appearance fits in every time and every picture.
Production in Germany
All picture frames are produced in Kirchen, in the beautiful Westerwald, in the heart of Germany. This means that no frames or individual parts are transported halfway around the world. As a result, it is ensured that our frames are manufactured under the highest German social and environmental standards.
Shipping
Parcel shipping with DPD and GLS is climate neutral. By minimizing packaging volume of packaging thanks to customised shipping packaging - except for small shipments - we reduce transport volumes and the use of packaging and cushioning material. Our packaging material consists of recycled paper and we produce the filling material ourselves from production residues.
Spare parts
If something does break, each part can be reordered individually. The replacements are also compatible with first-generation frames without any problems. For profile frames, back panels, magnetic strips and packaging, contact info@halbe.de. Replacement glass and felted pads can be found in our shop. If you come by with your frame in person, you will also get a splitting bevel reworked free of charge.
Recycling
Ideally, our picture frames should always be reused. If you no longer need the frame yourself, you can pass it on or sell it. If something breaks, all components can be easily replaced. And if a frame does have to be disposed of, the glass, overframe and back panel should be sorted and disposed of separately. After all, aluminium, steel and glass can be recycled very well.
Aluminum
Since 2022, we have been sourcing exclusively more sustainable aluminum profiles. Our aluminum profiles are exclusively pressed and coated in Germany. Both primary aluminum and recycled aluminum are used for this.
The primary material Hydro Low-Carbon Aluminum has a carbon footprint of max. 4 t CO2 per ton of aluminum through the use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower. The recycled material of the NEWTRAL® brandfrom Erbslöh Aluminium, even has a footprint of only 2.7 tons of CO2 emissions per ton of aluminium thanks to the use of pre-consumer material and green electricity from hydropower, among other sources.
Overall, this means a saving of 12.7 tons compared to the global average of 15.1 tons of CO2 emissions per ton of aluminum (2022). The average in China is even around 20 tons, due to the high proportion of fossil fuels. As aluminum can be recycled as often as required, all production waste is fed back into the material cycle to produce new material.
Glass
Our glass comes exclusively from European production, a large part of it even comes from Germany. By using the latest CNC-controlled cutting technology and waste optimization, waste is reduced to a maximum. All production waste is collected by type and recycled, because glass can be recycled almost as often as desired.
Packing cardboard
Our packaging cardboard is also made in Germany. By using the latest CNC-controlled cutting technology and waste optimization, we can also reduce waste to a maximum here. The remaining waste is processed into padding material and used for shipping. All other production waste is collected by type and recycled. Please dispose of your cardboard packaging via the "Blue Bin" and recycle it properly.
Passepartouts & cardboard
Our passepartout and corrugated cardboard boxes are manufactured in Germany by Klug Conservation from 100% virgin fiber cellulose . The adhesives and additives used are sustainably produced, where possible from natural raw materials such as vegetable starch or gelatine. Careful attention is paid to the use of resources in the production process. The Klug production building meets passive house standards. 65% of the energy required comes from the company's own photovoltaic system. The purchased electricity is 100% green electricity. We use state-of-the-art CNC-controlled cutting technology and waste optimization to reduce waste to a minimum. Any leftovers are made available to regional kindergartens and schools free of charge. All production waste is collected by type and recycled.
KAPAFrame rigid foam panel
Our back panel consists of a lightweight panel, the KapaFrame. The lightweight panel has a PUR rigid foam core and is covered on both sides with a paper top layer. It is manufactured in Germany and our CNC-controlled cutting technology ensures maximum waste optimization. All production waste is thermally processed.
Heat
Our hall roofs were newly insulated, one of the most efficient energy renovation measures. Our heating system has been replaced by a new modulating condensing gas burner with intelligent control, which reduced our gas consumption by about 30%. In addition, the waste heat from our machines is used to heat the halls.
Mobility
We do not yet use electric mobility - except for our forklift trucks. But we drive our cars for many years and don't just lease them for a short time. A long service life saves resources. Thanks the pandemic, we have learned to do without unnecessary trips, because every kilometre saved conserves additional resources.
Wood
As a PEFC-certified company, we take responsibility for the origin of our materials. Our solid wood frames with fine wood veneer are made from PEFC-certified wood from sustainably managed forests that comes from sustainably managed forests. In this way, we combine high quality with a conscious use of natural resources.
More information about our PEFC certification: PEFC/04-31-3815
Paper
We also attach particular importance to sustainability when using paper. Our passe-partouts, background cardboard and corrugated cardboard are made exclusively from FSC®-certified paper . The certification also includes the KapaFrame board / back panel of our frames, so that all the paper used in our HALBE frames comes from sustainably managed forests.
