Impressive cost
reductions achieved

Orange is the new black when it comes to Fiskars! Known for their iconic orange-handled scissors, Fiskars has been a pioneer in design and functionality since 1649. As one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the world, Fiskars started in the small village of Fiskars, Finland, and has grown into a global leader of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living.

The product range spans from household and gardening tools to metal cutting and demolition tools to utility knives and heavy-duty scissors. Fiskars’ environmental program focuses on pioneering design against throwaway culture by creating circular products, reducing emissions by 60% by 2030, and innovating recycling methods.

With improved cleaning processes, lower temperatures cleaning and a new set-up for paint removal, DST-CHEMICALS proudly contributes valuable products and expertise to Fiskars’ environmental journey.

Even with continuous improvements, the painting process of steel tools occasionally did not meet Fiskars’ high internal quality standards. The special paint used to add to durability proved extremely hard to remove. Limited internal knowledge of this durable paint removal meant the process engineer had to rely on an external workshop, which again lead to high costs. Transportation, storage of rejected parts, and the use of traditional solvents were not aligned with the company’s sustainability ambitions.

As DST-CHEMICALS’ products were already well known in the production, the responsible Process Engineer Mr. Olszewski, turned to his local DST-representative for advice. After understanding the challenge, the DST-expert suggested a solution: Drawing on their extensive knowledge of cleaning challenges, they conducted on-site tests within days using an ultrasonic machine and DST-Paint Remover product. The results were impressive: the paint was removed immediately.

Mr. Olszewski was initially unsure about investing in an ultrasonic washer without guaranteed results. However, the DST representative’s vast knowledge and the long-standing partnership with ultrasonic producer POLSONIC proved invaluable.

This collaboration not only resolved the paint removal challenge but also aligned perfectly with Fiskars’ sustainability goals. The new cleaner is less hazardous than the solvents used at the workshop, and no money is spent on transporting faulty products back and forth. Additionally, the ultrasonic paint remover bath has a lifetime of one year, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

The DST-solution resulted in substantial financial benefits for Fiskars, even after accounting for the purchase of the ultrasonic cleaner, proving that the initial hesitation was groundless.