Injection Mould Production (Re)cycle

Contact: Kevin Prior Date: September 6, 2007

An injection mould manufacturer is discovering the benefits achieved through sound environmental management. £30,000 worth to date.

The company's design, mould and assembly processes for electronic consumer products.

What was the problem?

One of its customers, requested that suppliers implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) to conform to international standard ISO 14001. The Quality Director contacted Kevin Prior of CookPrior Associates and was advised about MIDAS grants. The company then nominated a project champion who was then given the task of implementing the EMS, developed in conjunction with the existing ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, to do the following:

  • Minimise waste
  • Make significant savings
  • Achieve a 'zero discharge' process whereby every item of waste is a resource or potential raw material.

What was the answer?

The main environmental management focus concentrated on reducing key waste streams such as cardboard, paper, plastic, wood inks and solvents. Particularly reviewing the amount of plastic going to landfill.

What was the outcome?

Contrary to popular belief about EU Directives causing headaches, they discover ed that conforming to the legislation makes good business sense.

As Kevin Prior says: "If companies are innovative in tackling EU regulations, they can stay ahead of the competition." What's more this approach has saved them at least £30,000 in the first six months- making going green a sound financial benefit as well as an environmental one.

  • Reduced the amount of solvents in the spray-painting process
  • Replaced solvent-based paints with 99 per cent water-based paint
  • Re-used essential cleaning solvents via improved technology, so reducing emission into the air.

For more details about the Environmental Management service click here

For more information or advice on how CookPrior can help Market Innovation in your organisation please e-mail Kevin Prior or Diana Cook
call +44 (0) 1890-818050