Case Study: Monetizing Scrap Resources

Situation

 
A leading commercial packaging and label lithographic firm, creating products utilizing both paper and plastic, sought a more comprehensive recycling program to ensure operational efficiencies and environmental sustainability. Under their previous program, their old recycler was focused solely on recovering the paper scrap and was harmfully disposing of their plastic scrap (which is a recyclable product) in local landfills. This realization served as a catalyst for management to seek improvement.

By treating their plastic scrap as a waste product, the other “recycling” company created sizable, and completely avoidable, disposal bills and used the revenue generated from the paper scrap to cover the disposal costs, providing zero recycling revenues for the customer. By treating the plastic as garbage they were literally throwing money away.

Other inefficient practices existed under the old program such as requiring the customer to create their own pallet-sized cardboard receptacles to store the recyclables until their weekly scheduled pick-up, the ineffective utilization of precious manufacturing floor space and time-consuming collection practices.

Solution

The printer partnered with Island to perform a comprehensive Resource Audit and Assessment determining the exact resin type, market value and end users for the plastic scrap. The Audit enabled Island to complete a customized cost benefit analysis, highlighting the revenue generation possibilities. Island created a program employing new handling techniques such as replacing the bulky home made boxes with mobile hampers. Island also invested in custom designed hamper liner bags, which prevent material contamination ensuring a clean, valuable end product.

Outcome

Now armed with a truly customized program, this company has made substantial improvements on both an environmentally responsive and operational basis.

Island provides them with the quarterly “Island Eco-Track” which quantifies the recyclables generated, highlights the positive effect their recycling activities have on the environment and enables their supply chain to clearly view the progress and proactive steps this company has taken to become more sustainable.

They are now fully monetizing their scrap resources, receiving a monthly revenue stream that was non-existent under their previous program.

Focused on continuous improvement, this printer has established a cost effective, all-inclusive recovery program that increases productivity, revenues and addresses environmental responsibility.