Lean production

​A big step in the right direction Plastep implemented Lean methodology in their entire production Lean has helped them engage personnel and continuously improve their processes As a result, material losses were cut by 50 % Plastep is a producer of plastic parts for appliances and machines. The...

A good 'rap' for waste reduction Food producer extracts further waste and costs-savings thanks to lean supply chain discipline 1 680 tonnes of waste reduction targeted through 17 projects and 110 tonnes diverted from landfill Convenience food manufacturer Greencore and supermarket Sainsbury’s have...

New laser tech shaves costs Company replaces its inefficient mechanical steel cutters for boilers New laser cutting units use 94.1 % of the sheet, saving money and reducing waste DOMUSA Teknik makes and sells heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) products with a particular focus on solar...

Companies use water in essential and non-essential processes. It is a valuable natural resource that needs to be used wisely and economically. Monitoring water consumption is critical to identifying areas for improvement. Five steps to identify improvements: Step1: Understand what is driving water...

Cutting waste in a systematic way will help SMEs to reduce cost and save material. A special waste-prevention plan will be very helpful in introducing such a systematic approach. It helps to understand where resources are used, where waste is generated, and to find and prioritise waste-reducing and...

Changes and improvements to production infrastructure can significantly reduce raw materials used, and related costs of storage, as well as boost manufacturing efficiency. According to McKinsey reports, companies should prioritise activities that offer the greatest potential benefit. Additionally...

Durable products designed with sustainability considerations, or ecodesigned, offer many advantages both to the company and the environment. Ecodesign takes into account the full life-cycle of products, from conception to design and development, to construction, packaging and end-of-life...

Good monitoring and management are vital to reigning in energy costs and carbon emissions. Measuring and tracking resource use (energy, water and raw materials) is a key skill that all organisations should master, regardless of size or sector. It can help to identify patterns of wasteful behaviour...

The core goal of a waste-management system is to think of ways to improve a company's handling of non-product outputs (waste with zero or negative market value), and implement measures to minimise waste generation through more efficient use of resources or re-use of materials and to separate waste...

Positive incentives for employees are closely related to information, education and training activities. While information and training are often the first steps, this measure focuses on positive incentives to perpetuate or strengthen environmentally friendly behaviour. Creating incentives around...