The Cash in Waste Award

31 August 2006



EFTA's new environment award is sponsored by Converting Today


Waste in all forms is an increasing concern for all those involved in the print Industry. For many consumers, packaging waste is seen as an “evil” which is adding to the landfill problems we face and packaging is seen as an environmentally unfriendly use of resources. For the printing industry, the need to continue to drive down factory waste is of paramount importance in the competitive environment in which the industry operates.

To try to address these issues and provide recognition to companies who are truly “making a difference”, EFTA (UK), the European Flexographic Technical Association, has launched a major initiative to encourage companies who achieve effective waste management or reduction in environmental impact in their day-to-day operations. Sponsored by Converting Today and sister publication Packaging Today, The Cash In Waste Award will be made to the company - either printer/converter or supplier - that has, in the eyes of the judges, “contributed most to the saving of resources and reduction of waste”.

This may be achieved in two ways:

1. The entrant must show through concrete cost savings a reduction in waste in their operation. This must indicate what processes and controls have been put in place through the plant and communicated right through the workforce. Energy, inks and substrate savings, reduction in returns and how they have been achieved, quality controls on press, for example, and most importantly innovative thinking and the flexibility to change habits of a lifetime will provide the judges with clear indicators on which to make their choice of a winner.

2. Suppliers of materials, inks, equipment and controls may enter an innovation, which saves resources and reduces environmental impact.

At the heart of the award are not only the benefits to the environment, but also to the efficiency of the company operation and the potential on the bottom line.

Entrants will be asked to describe in no more than 500 words why they think they should win the Cash In Waste Award. They can also attach drawings, photographs, statistics or video clips. The entries should be sent to EFTA managing director Lesley Hide by the end of November.

Lesley Hide says: “Whatever you call it - defects or rejects, scrap or splice, edge trim or press returns - waste is costing you money, lots of it, which is just walking out of your business. When you actually undertake a detailed analysis of what waste is costing you, we can guarantee that it is more than you think. The workshops we have already carried out have proved to those attending that they were not aware of all of the costs.

“All companies produce waste and savings needn't require high capital spending. Companies of all sizes can benefit. Waste minimization is essential to continued success. But to reduce waste is one of the most frustrating aspects of operations management.

“Waste can always be reduced,” she stresses. “What comes in must go out. Every waste has a source; every effect has a cause. Understanding waste leads to control, efficiency and quality. Control the process to control the waste.

“We know a number of companies that have actively pursued a structured waste minimization programme to excellent effect, and in today's challenging environment companies cannot afford not to do something about it. But you will only be successful if you motivate staff and gain commitment from everyone. In reality no one wants to produce waste but waste reduction will not happen by chance. Proactivity is essential.

“At the same time, suppliers to the industry are making strenuous efforts to develop materials and systems that will lessen the perceived environmental impact of packaging and the waste it creates, and it may be that one of these companies has an innovation that they wish to enter for this award.”

The Cash In Waste Award will presented during the EFTA Annual Print Awards ceremony at The Royal Armouries, Leeds, on March 21, 2007,

EFTA has also been running Waste Minimization Workshops during 2006. The next will be held on November 2, in Telford, UK. Cost is £85 + VAT per delegate.



Contact

EFTA:
Tel: +44 (0)1458 241455





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