How does a traditional metal manufacturer become a future-fit pioneer of the circular economy? Together with Conal Metallbau GmbH, we developed a comprehensive circular strategy that turns aluminum expertise into a business advantage. In just six months and three on-site workshops, we built a roadmap with 22 strategic measures and secured state funding covering 80% of the project costs.
Conal Metallbau, a classic German SME and aluminum specialist, faced growing pressure from clients and regulators. Despite using recycled aluminum and local supply chains, the company lacked a structured sustainability a. Without measurable goals or a clear strategy, Conal risked losing its biggest clients and missing new market opportunities. The challenge: how to evolve from a reliable supplier into a driver of circular innovation.
Problem
Conal Metallbau, a classic German SME and aluminum specialist, faced growing pressure from clients and regulators. Despite using recycled aluminum and local supply chains, the company lacked a structured sustainability a. Without measurable goals or a clear strategy, Conal risked losing its biggest clients and missing new market opportunities. The challenge: how to evolve from a reliable supplier into a driver of circular innovation.
Our shared mission: make Conal future-ready—economically, ecologically, and organizationally. Together with management and production teams, we developed a company-wide sustainability strategy that treats circularity not as an add-on, but as a steering principle. It connects climate action, resource efficiency, and business growth through circular thinking. Thanks to NRW state funding, 80% of the first project phase was financed, enabling deep analyses and workshops to prepare implementation.
Solution
Our shared mission: make Conal future-ready—economically, ecologically, and organizationally. Together with management and production teams, we developed a company-wide sustainability strategy that treats circularity not as an add-on, but as a steering principle. It connects climate action, resource efficiency, and business growth through circular thinking. Thanks to NRW state funding, 80% of the first project phase was financed, enabling deep analyses and workshops to prepare implementation.
With a clear circularity roadmap and its first sustainability report, Conal is now equipped to fulfill its clients’ demands. Conal’s journey proves that even SMEs can turn regulation into innovation—and sustainability into competitive advantage. The initial analysis led to an in-depth investigation of aluminium as future-fit raw material and the identification of potential new business areas.
Impact
With a clear circularity roadmap and its first sustainability report, Conal is now equipped to fulfill its clients’ demands. Conal’s journey proves that even SMEs can turn regulation into innovation—and sustainability into competitive advantage. The initial analysis led to an in-depth investigation of aluminium as future-fit raw material and the identification of potential new business areas.
“A pragmatic approach that fits our size perfectly, engages our team, and delivers a clear roadmap. Now we’re excited to put it into action.”
— Conal Metallbau GmbH
“Our goal was to turn sustainability from an external requirement into an internal driver of innovation. Working with Conal showed how quickly circular thinking can take hold when strategy, leadership, and production work hand in hand.”
— Jonas Kersting, Sustainability Manager
