Print Solutions
C&T Matrix (C&T) has set objectives to reduce manufacturing waste by up to 40% by 2022 through initiatives such as recycling selected waste streams produced during manufacture. It will do this by transforming manufacturing processes at its UK production plant and investing in new technology.
As part of a continued commitment to sustainability, C&T recently undertook an environmental impact review for its manufacturing processes. By measuring materials discarded by type and weight, C&T used this data to set targets to reduce overall production waste and increase the use of recycled material back into the production of finished product.
Sally Miller, C&T Matrix, health and safety and quality manager, explained: ‘Big gains are already being achieved by reducing the waste that resulted from manufacture, particularly around start up and job change overs.’
Sally continued, ‘One of the biggest challenges was to develop solutions that would reuse waste by putting it straight back into production without affecting the quality of the finished product. We invested in the purchase of a new ‘munching’ machine that can take all the offcuts and re-extrude the compound into small reusable pellets that can be reused in production.’
In addition by re-engineering the way C&T produces its PVC matrix, improving production planning, investing in new machinery and manufacturing methods, it aims to reduce the use of PVC by 40%. Further benefits of these changes also include improved consistency, efficiency and the quality of finished product.
Cultivating sustainable credentials is a long term strategy for the company. Ongoing operational improvements, increasing the reuse of internal waste and investing in new planning and manufacturing technology is part of a wider strategy. Sally explained, ‘It is not only the bigger sustainability goals we wish to achieve, but also the more personal ones within the organisation. We have nominated environmental champions and everyone in the business is undergoing reprocessing training. We have also extended our responsibilities into the office environment with paper and office recycling schemes already well established.’
However, C&T is not prepared to ‘rest on its laurels’ and future plans are to further increase the recycled content of the creasing matrix strip itself. It also offers support and advice to customers, working closely with all partners, to help them manage their own waste.
‘At C&T Matrix, we are working to meet our own environmental responsibilities whilst assisting customers to achieve theirs,’ concluded Sally.
