Environmental management
The principle of “do no harm” has become outdated in modern environmental management practices. Today, ecological needs require more than just minimizing damage. They demand proactive actions from both society and organizations. At UKRGRAFIT, our mission is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence through creating value for everyone: individuals, nature, and the planet as a whole. In our approach to environmental management, we strive not only to comply with the necessary standards but also to support and implement additional ecological initiatives.
The environmental management system at UKRGRAFIT is founded on unwavering adherence to Ukrainian and international environmental legislation. We proudly hold certification in accordance with the ISO 14001:2015 international standard and actively foster our own initiatives. Our approaches and commitments in the field of environmental management align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. We prioritize minimizing our environmental impact, promoting circular economy practices, and enhancing energy efficiency.
Minimizing Environmental Impact
We approach the task of minimizing environmental impact comprehensively and systematically. We continuously modernize our production processes, implement new energy-efficient technologies, collaborate with environmental organizations, and foster eco-responsibility among our employees both at work and beyond. Our commitment to significantly reducing our impact on nature is not just a legal obligation – it is a firm moral conviction.
Ecotechnology
At UKRGRAFIT, we allocate approximately 50% of our EBITDA annually to the modernization of our operations. The primary focus of our projects is to reduce energy consumption and minimize our environmental footprint.
Partnership in the environmental domain
Since 2020, UKRGRAFIT has actively participated in the prestigious nationwide competition "Eco-Transformation of Ukraine" and proudly holds membership in the Professional Association of Ecologists of Ukraine. Our collaboration aims to foster sustainable development practices among Ukrainian enterprises.
Ecological consciousness as a lifestyle
At UKRGRAFIT, we consider environmental awareness to be more than just a corporate policy; it is deeply woven into our culture. We empower our employees to embrace environmental initiatives and foster their personal dedication to eco-conscious actions. We firmly believe that change starts with each and every one of us, and it begins today.
Major Highlights
Launch of the Regenerative Thermal Oxidation System
Project cost: €3.05 million
In 2021, we successfully launched a cutting-edge Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (RTO) system for treating the exhaust gases from our carbonization furnaces. This system, aligned with the EU's BAT Reference Document for the Non-Ferrous Metals Industries, represents the optimal method for purifying gases emitted by similar furnace installations. The equipment installed ensures the utmost reduction of air pollutants. The design and professional supervision of the project were entrusted to a renowned German company specializing in turnkey projects of this nature. The RTO unit's installation facilitated the decommissioning of four tar electro filters, significantly enhancing gas purification efficiency to 95% and reducing carbon monoxide levels to below 100 mg/m³.
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Baking Department Modernization
Project cost: €6.53 million
In 2021, we successfully commissioned a modern kiln facility for the re-calcination of carbonized blanks. This facility, supplied by a world-leading manufacturer of industrial kilns for the electrode industry, incorporates advanced thermal gas cleaning equipment to meet EU standards.
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Ecomonitoring
In 2019, we embarked on a project to implement a cutting-edge system for continuously and automatically monitoring pollutant levels emitted into the atmosphere during our production processes. The system incorporates components from industry-leading providers of continuous exhaust gas monitoring solutions: Sintrol Oy in Finland, Teledyne API in the USA, and Enotec GmbH in Germany. By 2022, the project was successfully completed, and two monitoring stations were established. Currently, we engage in continuous, real-time monitoring of their operations, allowing us to remotely track and assess their performance. The daily measurement results are presented below.
| Date | Substance | Permissible Limit, mg/m3 | Average Daily Concentration, mg/m3 | Indicator |
| Monitoring Point (Source №205) | ||||
| 14.08.2025 | SO2 | 361,30 | 0 | Normal Range |
| 14.08.2025 | NОx | 339,90 | 0 | Normal Range |
| 14.08.2025 | Dust | 49,30 | 0 | Normal Range |
| Monitoring Point at the SPZ Border of the Enterprise | ||||
| 14.08.2025 | SO2 | 0,05 | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
| 14.08.2025 | NО2 | 0,04 | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
| 14.08.2025 | NO | 0,06 | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
| 14.08.2025 | CO | 3,00 | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
| 14.08.2025 | PM 10 | - | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
| 14.08.2025 | PM 2,5 | - | Sensor maintenance/Repair | |
Indicator: Normal Range Beyond the norm Sensor maintenance/Repair 1-6: Based on the European Air Quality Index, the concentration of particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers in diameter is assessed on a scale of 1 to 6. A rating of 1 indicates excellent air quality, while a rating of 6 indicates extremely poor air quality.
2. Energy Management
• At our enterprise, the renowned Dnipro Hydro Power Plant serves as our primary electricity source, harnessing renewable resources. Embracing the principles of resource circularity, we also utilize energy derived from gases emitted by our furnace installations, thereby reducing atmospheric emissions and fostering climate well-being. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal #8, "Affordable and Clean Energy," we have established the following objectives:
Reduce energy consumption
Promote circular resource utilization
Improve energy efficiency
Major Highlights
Graphitization Furnace Replacement
Project cost: $16 million
The graphitization process, a pivotal and energy-intensive stage in graphite product manufacturing, involves subjecting carbon materials to temperatures exceeding 25,000°C to create synthetic graphite. In 2019, we successfully completed the initial phase of a significant modernization project in our critical production division. This involved replacing the Acheson graphitization furnaces with more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly longitudinal graphitization furnaces. The project was made possible with financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
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Modernizing Gas Cleaning Equipment
Project cost: ₴83 million.
A significant undertaking in 2013 was the modernization of our gas-cleaning equipment in the mixing-pressing workshop No. 2. Traditionally, our facility obtained steam for equipment heating from a neighboring plant's boiler room. However, upon learning about the planned shutdown of their boiler room, we faced a crucial decision. We had to choose between a cost-effective option of renting their existing but outdated boiler or pursuing an ecologically sustainable path by constructing our own modern boiler. Aligning with our commitment to sustainable development, we opted for the latter. The installation of a cutting-edge waste heat recovery boiler, coupled with advanced sleeve filters, not only resulted in a significant 4.3-fold reduction in dust emissions from exhaust gases but also allowed us to harness their waste heat, thereby reducing our reliance on natural gas consumption.
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3. Circular Economy
At UKRGRAFIT, we play a vital role in the metal scrap recycling industry, aligning perfectly with the nature of our operations. With graphite electrodes as our main product line, we facilitate the reuse of metal scrap in a continuous loop. According to data from the World Steel Association, substituting 1 ton of scrap for ore saves 740 kg of coal from being burned, resulting in a significant 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The principles of the circular economy are deeply ingrained in the majority of our company's activities.
Utilization of Production Returns
In the production of carbon graphite products, we maximize the incorporation of all carbonaceous production returns generated throughout various stages of our manufacturing process. By utilizing 100% of these returns, we effectively minimize waste generation and ensure resource efficiency.
Closed-loop water system
Located close to the Dnipro River, one of Europe's largest rivers and a national treasure of Ukraine, URGRAFIT is committed to maintaining a sustainable water management system. Our technological processes operate within a closed water cycle, ensuring that water used on-site is not discharged into the Dnipro River or other water bodies. To promote environmental responsibility, we have equipped two wastewater outlets from our premises, as well as partially from the city, with advanced treatment facilities. After thorough treatment, the water is reused to replenish our closed water cycle.
Waste Sorting
We have implemented an efficient waste management system that emphasizes comprehensive waste sorting. We prioritize the separation and sorting of materials with secondary resource value, ensuring their proper utilization. This process takes place across all production areas, with our dedicated staff actively participating in waste-sorting initiatives. By effectively minimizing the disposal of non-utilizable materials, we significantly reduce our environmental impact.
Major Highlights
Natural Resource Conservation
In our commitment to sustainable practices, we have implemented key projects focused on conserving natural resources through the optimal utilization of production returns. Within the production of carbon graphite products, we encounter fine carbonaceous materials known as dust. To address this, we have established a dedicated channel for dust incineration in Boiler No.1 at our waste heat recovery plant, and we have also installed state-of-the-art dust-gas burners in our calcination furnaces. These initiatives have resulted in an impressive 18% reduction in natural gas consumption. Additionally, we prioritize the recycling of resin, another byproduct of our production process, further contributing to our efforts to minimize natural gas consumption.
Learn more about Sustainability at UKRGRAFIT
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Media
29 April 2024
To bolster the energy efficiency of industrial enterprises amidst wartime challenges, the public organization “International Development Foundation” effectively executed the project “Support for Enterprises in Energy Modernization During Wartime”. This project is a part of the initiative “Promoting Energy Efficiency and Implementing the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine,” led by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für […]
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17 July 2022
We are engaged in the systematic advancement of a green zone within both our enterprise’s premises and the contiguous surroundings. Through the concerted efforts of our team, the Gagarina City Park, encompassing an area of 4.5 hectares along Severnoe Shosse Street, has been successfully rejuvenated from a former waste collection site into a thriving verdant […]
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