Manufacturers could save thousands by rethinking waste 

A new initiative could help manufacturers in the North West to unlock thousands of pounds in cost savings and completely change their approach to the way they deal with waste.

Rethink Waste has been launched by sustainability experts Envirowise with support from manufacturers’ organisation EEF and will help companies discover the ‘true’ cost of waste to their business.

For example, Envirowise experience has shown that manufacturers taking action to reduce waste and improve their resource efficiency can save up to £1,000  per employee. Across the UK, around £500 million could be saved annually.

Companies can register here from October 2009 and the course begins early in 2010. Three advice-packed online modules will take businesses through the key steps of collecting benchmarking data, developing an action plan and then implementing a waste saving strategy. Participants will also have access to a virtual factory tour, audiocasts and an online resource efficiency conference.

Envirowise Regional Manager for the North West, Nick Ward, said: “While many UK manufacturers have enthusiastically adopted recycling measures , there are more opportunities to reduce and re-use materials as well – actions that could substantially benefit their bottom line. With landfill tax set to rise to £48 per tonne in 2010/2011 the economic imperative to minimise waste at every opportunity is clear.”

Head of Environment at the EEF, Gareth Stace, adds: “As outlined in EEF’s recent ‘Manufacturing Our Future’ report, climate change is a long-term challenge that manufacturers will need to face if they are to survive and thrive. We welcome additional support to help the sector get the best from its resources. Free initiatives such as Rethink Waste offer a practical and accessible route to resource efficiency and we will be encouraging our members to take part.”

Manufacturers can register for Rethink Waste before 31 December 2009. Registrations can be made at www.envirowise.gov.uk/rethink.