Environment & sustainability
Care in our craft.
And in our materials.
At our foundry in Bärau, we remelt suitable bronze offcuts and recondition moulding sand for reuse. We also aim to use energy and materials sparingly when melting and packing.
Remelting bronze offcuts
Reconditioning moulding sand
Cardboard and paper packaging
Knowing our materials
Bronze remains
a valuable raw material.
The composition of bronze is crucial to a bell’s sound and quality.
01 / FROM OUR OWN PRODUCTION
Back into the furnace
Casting and finishing produce pouring cups, channels and shavings. We collect suitable bronze offcuts from our own production and melt them down again. Their origin and alloy composition are known.
The material stays in the foundry’s production cycle and is used for more bells.
02 / SPECIALIST REPROCESSING
Recycling old bronze properly
Old bells and bronze of unknown composition are sent on for specialist reprocessing.
Reusing moulding sand
A new mould.
With reconditioned sand.
Every bell needs its own sand mould. After casting, the mould is opened and the bell freed from the sand. The moulding sand is then reconditioned.
Some sand is lost due to the high temperatures. This portion is replaced; the reusable sand is used again. Its composition and careful preparation also shape the surface of our Berger bells.
Using energy carefully
Planning each
melting operation.
An electric induction melting furnace was introduced at the Berger bell foundry in 1992. The amount of bronze required is calculated for each casting.
Where the production schedule allows, several melts follow one another, making use of the heat already in the furnace.
The right strap
Choose carefully.
Enjoy it for years.
We mainly use vegetable-tanned leather for our bell straps. We do not use badger-hair trims or wild-animal furs.
If you already have a suitable strap, bring it along when you visit us. Together, we can check whether its size and attachment are suitable for your cowbell or steel bell.
Carefully packed
Well protected
on the way to you.
We use recycled cardboard and paper for packaging. They protect the bell in transit and can be separated for paper and cardboard recycling after unpacking.
Questions about materials or choosing a bell?
We offer
personal advice.
Would you like to know more about our bells, materials or suitable straps? Kerstin Milde and Roger Kern will be happy to help.