Norway is pioneering a sustainable approach to waste management by reusing outdated fire extinguishers. At the innovative Slakkefabrikken, near Oslo, these extinguishers are refurbished, proving that even safety equipment can contribute to a circular economy.

The circular economy at work

Each year, millions of fire extinguishers are discarded globally, contributing to unnecessary waste. At Slakkefabrikken, extinguishers are emptied, cleaned, and refilled through a mostly automated production line. This process not only maintains safety standards but also significantly reduces environmental impact. Reusing a single extinguisher saves approximately 38 kilograms of CO2 emissions and four kilograms of virgin steel, underscoring the potential for scaling circular practices.

The factory, founded by Milj Norge in 2021, also collaborates with major recycling companies to ensure a steady supply of old extinguishers. By transforming waste into a resource, the initiative highlights the potential profitability of sustainable business models.

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Challenges and opportunities in circular innovation

Despite its success, the concept of refurbishing fire extinguishers is not without challenges. Many outdated extinguishers are discarded improperly, with their components either incinerated or sent to landfills. Norge’s ISO-certified facility tackles this issue by recycling materials such as powder, plastic, and rubber when refurbishment is not feasible, aiming to scale operations for maximum efficiency.

Comparisons to Norway’s bottle recycling system by Tomra suggest this model could be applied globally.

A call to action

While Norway leads with initiatives, the broader Nordic region lags in circular economy adoption. Just 2.4% of Norwegian resources are recycled, compared to 24.5% in the Netherlands. Norway’s 2024 action plan for a circular economy signalled governmental intent, but private sector initiatives are crucial for real progress.

In their quest to scale up operations, founders Petter and Geir Mathisen are exploring partnerships across borders. Their goal is clear: to give a new lease of life to waste products while fostering environmental responsibility.

The Sl?kkefabrikken model exemplifies how innovative approaches can tackle waste and build a sustainable future.