C&T Matrix 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, H&S and Quality Manager explains, “Big gains are already being achieved by reducing the waste that resulted from manufacture, particularly around start up and job change overs. 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, the company 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 C&T. Ongoing operational improvements, increasing the reuse of internal waste and investing in new planning and manufacturing technology is part of a wider strategy. Miller explains, “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.”
The company is also looking to increase the recycled content of the creasing matrix strip itself and they also offer support and advice to customers, working closely with other 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,” concludes Miller.
