Neat return from a neat solution

• Market analysis reveals opportunity to turn waste into profit
• The company can make € 7 000 per year by on-selling plastic packaging at no additional cost

The German company Bartolosch GmbH & Co. KG works in metal processing, such as turning, milling and grinding. With over 80 CNC machine tools they process 6 000 tonnes of cast and wrought iron, steel, aluminium and other materials in a three-shift operation.

The company produce everything from single parts to large-scale production as a contract manufacturer. Raw parts are supplied in a wooden box wrapped in plastic for protection. Workers gather the different types of plastic foils and wraps in one container for mixed materials and dispose them for a fee. Some of the foils are just left in wooden boxes.

In an efficiency analysis, the firm noticed that some of the foils can be sold as high-quality secondary material.

Key benefits

Following market analysis, Bartolosch GmbH & Co. KG developed a recycling path, which not only led to a reduction of disposal costs, but also provided a neat return. 

The company is now able to make € 7 000 per year by selling the plastic with no additional investment cost.