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Polski Ruch Czystszej Produkcji

Good practices in CP: 39. Improving packaging waste management (Retail Robotics)

Written By Polski Ruch Czystszej Produkcji on czwartek, 27 października 2022 | 09:55

photo by Retail Roboticx Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.

Good practices and investments related to Cleaner Production

Example No. 39
Improving packaging waste management

Company:
Retail Robotics Sp. z o.o. Sp.k., Tychy

Industry branch: electrical machinery industry

Resources in question:

  • Materials
  • Fossil fuels
  • Secondary raw materials
Pollution, waste in question:
  • Waste (packaging)
  • Emissions into the atmosphere
Cost (implementation of good practice): Medium
(PLN 18,840/year – lease costs of a press container and a baler)

Description of the problem:

Packaging waste was not collected separately, but was sent for disposal, which constituted an environmental problem as well as a source of cost for the company.

Applied solution:
 
The types of packaging that can be returned to the supplier (including three companies that collect cardboard packaging) and that can be resold (cardboard and waste paper, white stretch film, colored stretch film, PE foams, EPS polystyrene) were identified.
After visually assessing potential locations where suitable garbage containers for segregating packaging waste could be placed, such containers were placed on the site and labeled in accordance with applicable regulations.
Two pieces of equipment have been leased to facilitate waste management: a press container and a baler, making the collected waste take up less space and easier to transport. A site with paved ground and access to electricity was chosen for their setup, so the company did not incur additional costs to prepare the machines for operation.
An in-plant Procedure for “Packaging Waste Management” and “Environmental Workstation Instructions” have been developed – indicating the rules of conduct and segregation of packaging waste in each department. Among other things, it was ensured that waste would be transferred only to authorized entities, and it was planned to periodically perform a review of the proper implementation of procedures by the Cleaner Production team.
A series of training sessions were also held to present the new segregation rules and new procedures and instructions at every level (Management, Foremen, Production Workers).

Obtained benefits and effects of the implementation:

  • Packaging waste – cardboard boxes: return to supplier of 400 kg per year (80% waste reduction)
  • Reducing the number of transports by 12 trips per year while increasing the weight of transported waste (reduction in the number of transports by about 67%)
  • Reducing fuel consumption due to the reduction in transportation by 108 liters / year (and associated emissions) by about 67%
  • Savings from reduced waste disposal fees and resale of recyclables (less transportation costs): approx. PLN 22,200/year (payback period: approx. 10 months)
  • Involving employees in pro-environmental activities, raising their environmental awareness

 


Leased press container
photo by Retail Roboticx Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.
 
 
 
Leased baler
photo by Retail Roboticx Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.

 
Sources:
  • Report on the Cleaner Production Project No. 49.800, developed within the framework of the Cleaner Production Academy at Retail Robotics Sp. z o.o. Sp.k.: “Improving packaging waste management”
  • Materials (including photos) submitted by Retail Robotics Sp. z o.o. Sp.k.

Polish version:



This material has been subsidized by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The Polish Cleaner Production Movement Association is solely responsible for its content.










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