Reduce

Waste minimization involves efforts to minimize resource and energy use during manufacture. For the same commercial output, usually the fewer materials are used, the less waste is produced. Waste minimisation usually requires knowledge of the production process, cradle-to-grave analysis (the tracking of materials from their extraction to their return to earth) and detailed knowledge of the composition of the waste.

In the waste hierarchy, the most effective approaches to managing waste are at the top. In contrast to waste minimisation, waste management focuses on processing waste after it is created, concentrating on re-use, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion.

Resource optimisation

Minimising the amount of waste produced by organisations or individuals goes hand-in-hand with optimising their use of raw materials. For example, PurePac will audit all incoming used IBCs to assess which IBCs can be sold into each industry type ensuring all used IBCs are continued to be re-used.

Improved quality control and process monitoring

Steps can be taken to ensure that the number of reject batches is kept to a minimum. This is achieved by increasing the frequency of inspection and the number of points of inspection. For example, installing automated continuous monitoring equipment can help to identify production problems at an early stage.  PurePac work closely with all our manufacturers including Schutz, Mauser and RPC Promens to ensure all non-conformance issues are immediately reported and tracked via our software systems.

Waste exchanges

This is where the waste product of one process becomes the raw material for a second process. Waste exchanges represent another way of reducing waste disposal volumes for waste that cannot be eliminated.  For example, Schutz and Mauser collect all waste polymer used to create the IBC bottles and remanufacturer it to create plastic pallets and the pallet corner protectors, as these items do not need to be made from virgin new polymer.

Ship to point of use

This involves making deliveries of incoming raw materials or components direct to the point where they are assembled or used in the manufacturing process to minimise handling and the use of protective wrappings or enclosures.  Where possible PurePac will make special arrangements for products to be shipped directly from manufacturing hubs which are in closer proximity to our customers’ locations.