Packer waste converter pays for itself

SMC Pneumatics (UK) has simultaneously reduced its packaging and waste disposal costs, whilst lessening its impact on the environment - thanks to its investment in a Packer CP316S2 Waste Converter

SMC Pneumatics (UK), based in Milton Keynes, made the decision late in 2006 to investigate cardboard waste converting options following growing concern regarding the amount void fill and other packaging materials were costing the company commercially and the negative impact they were having on the environment.

Says Peter Austin, Production Cell Manager, SMC Pneumatics (UK): "In 2006, we conducted an assessment of the amount of bubble wrap and other materials we were using as we saw an opportunity to significantly reduce our spend on packaging materials across our fulfilment and distribution divisions".

"We were also increasingly concerned about the effect our high cardboard wastage could be having on the environment".

"Having considered the various cardboard converting options, we decided it was possible to replace our old method of void filling with a new one that was both cheaper and made more effective use of cardboard waste, as well as potentially providing better protection for our heavier components whilst they are in transit".

"By shredding our surplus cardboard in-house and re-using it as void fill in our packing department, we now no longer need to buy in bubble wrap and other packing materials, and as just about all of our cardboard waste is now re-used for void fill our waste compactor only requires emptying once every three months, compared with once a month previously.

The savings we make on waste disposal and packaging materials means the machine will pay for itself in just four months." Alastair Chambers, Area Sales Manager, Packer comments: "We installed a CP316S2 Waste Converter machine for SMC Pneumatics (UK) on a trial basis and after a few days they were delighted with it.

It's a very straight forward machine to operate as it runs off the mains electricity supply via a standard three-pin plug.

The blade at the end of the shredding unit also eliminates the need for the user to pre-cut the cardboard to fit the machine." John Sweeney, General Manager, Packer says: "Figures from a recent DEFRA report on packaging waste in 2006 showed that the amount of business waste recycled in the six years from 1998 to 2004 has increased from approximately 30 percent to 50 percent, while the amount of packaging waste going into landfill sites has reduced from approximately 70 percent to around 40 percent over the same period".

"The CP316S2 waste converter from Packer is helping a growing range of businesses to comply with European-led environmental regulations as well as helping companies to save money in the process".

"With the Packer waste converter, companies' fulfilment and distribution divisions are able to maximise cost savings whilst also providing a more environmentally sustainable method of packaging".

"At Packer, we are acutely aware of the issues surrounding the management of packaging waste and the impact this has on the environment".

"We supply several products that recycle packaging materials and we have certainly seen an increase in demand for such machines.".

Back to top