Presto shows how it's done – turning recycling into a good

12-09-2025

What happens to outdated fire extinguishers? At Presto, they're given new life, proving that sustainability can be cost-effective. By reusing containers and contents, Presto nearly halves its climate impact - and can simultaneously offer lower prices for their customers. With Nordea's long-term partnership, Presto has transformed from a fire protection company into a leader in circular innovation, demonstrating sustainable growth in action.

In a Swedish factory, a worn-out fire extinguisher rolls in for the last time. It has served its purpose – but is far from finished. In Presto's hands, it gets a second chance. The container is emptied and checked, refilled with new extinguishing agent, thoroughly tested and sent out again, ready to protect life and property. This process saves up to 47% in climate impact and reduces the need for new metals and minerals by a whopping 63%*. And perhaps most surprisingly? It's cheaper than manufacturing an entirely new product.

"Presto has managed to create a functional and economically profitable process for reusing their products, something that saves both the environment and money. It's a brilliant example of how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand", says Niklas Rydberg, Head of Sustainability for Corporate Clients, Nordea.

Presto has managed to create a functional and economically profitable process for reusing their products, something that saves both the environment and money.

Niklas Rydberg, Head of Sustainability for Corporate Clients, Nordea.

Göran Hult, Chief Technology and Development Officer at Presto.

A business model that comes full circle – literally

Reusing is nothing new. But making it the core of your business model while growing significantly, that's something else. During 2024, Presto increased its turnover by about 50%, through organic growth and acquisitions. Behind the success lies a clear strategy: combining safety, sustainability and smart economics.

Presto is best known for its fire protection solutions – from extinguishers to training – but behind the scenes, work is underway that makes them a pioneer in circular economy. Through their return system, they can reuse and recycle components and extinguishing agents, allowing their products to continue protecting, but in a new guise. Reuse and circularity are not just sustainability issues, they're a megatrend. And Presto shows that it can also be a competitive advantage.

Göran Hult, Chief Technology and Development Officer at Presto, explains how the company's focus on quality and lifespan contributes to both environmental benefits and business value: "We design, develop and manufacture our fire extinguishers with a focus on quality, lifespan and reuse. This generates lower environmental impact for us and our customers."

A partnership that grows with the customer

Nordea has been Presto's banking partner for over 40 years. During this time, we have followed the company's journey from a national player to a growing European group. We have financed their expansion, vehicle fleet and helped set up a Global cash pool. A dedicated team within Nordea collaborates across business areas to meet Presto's needs – from daily banking services to strategic advice, including sustainability issues.

"Nordea has been a strategic partner who not only understands our business but also our values. Their support in several areas, from Cash Management to financing, has enabled rapid expansion in multiple geographical markets with a focus on sustainable growth", says Olof Fransson, CFO, Presto.

Presto's return system is the hub of a circular process where both components and extinguishing agents are reused.

Green factory makes a difference

In Presto's factory, the "green factory", they take full responsibility for the entire lifecycle of fire extinguishers. Here, the return system is the hub of a circular process where both components and extinguishing agents are reused. This means that a worn-out fire extinguisher doesn't become waste, but a resource. The core of Presto's sustainability work lies in the manufacturing process and the materials used. By reusing instead of discarding, the need for new raw materials and climate impact is reduced, while production becomes more cost-effective.

"Presto is an exciting and expansive customer that we've had the pleasure of following for many years; market-leading within a particularly socially important industry and at the forefront when it comes to sustainability", says Per Nestor, Senior Corporate Advisor, Nordea.

Johan Wiksäter, Head of Producion and Supply chain, Presto.

Presto takes responsibility – all the way

Presto is also actively working to phase out harmful substances such as PFAS and has a clear sustainability focus throughout its operations. They show that safety is not just about extinguishing fires, but also about taking responsibility for the future.

A concrete example of this responsibility is Presto's return system, which makes it possible to reuse fire extinguishers in a circular process.

"We want to take responsibility for our products from start to finish. Our return system makes it possible to give fire extinguishers a new life – and at the same time contribute to a more sustainable future", says Johan Wiksäter, Head of Production and Supply Chain, Presto.

For it is possible to think anew – and do good at the same time.

*) According to a Life Cycle Analysis of handheld fire extinguishers conducted in accordance with ISO 14040, with the functional unit "fire protection for 30 years.

About Presto

Industry: Fire safety and protection
What they do: Presto helps companies and organisations protect their operations from fire and accidents – through expert advice, a wide range of training programmes, sustainable safety products and ongoing service.
Turnover: Approximately SEK 3 billion
Nordea customer since: Around 40 years
Nordea services: Growth and fleet financing, Global Cash Pool, Daily Banking, ESG advisory

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