Visy manufactures more than a third of all aluminum beverage cans consumed in Australia.
Water is an essential part of the can manufacturing process and finding ways to reduce the amount used posed a sustainability challenge for Visy.
"Finding new technology and practices that ensures water remains a sustainable resource must be a priority for any business that is serious about sustainability" says Jon Maddox, Visy's National Manufacturing Manager.
Identifying what part of the manufacturing process used the most water at Visy's beverage can plant in Victoria was the first logical step to meeting the challenge.
The can washer was the most obvious target using 85 per cent of the site's water. New equipment was identified through information sharing with other beverage can manufacturers.
With more efficient washer pipes and nozzles, water use has decreased by nearly 30 litres per minute, from 74 litres to 45 litres per minute.
Another challenge that has also been met is recycling more water.
Visy has commenced collecting and reusing water from fire testing and installed additional water metres, enabling more detailed analysis of water usage and helping to achieve optimal efficiency from the washer process.
"I'm pleased to say that Visy has risen to the sustainability challenge of finding new and innovative ways in which to reduce our water usage and make it a more sustainable resource," says Maddox.
The results are there for all to see, from 5,990 cans produced per 1,000 litres of water used in 2006/07, to 9,628 can produced per 1,000 litres of water in 2007/08" says Maddox.
When water usage is made more sustainable it delivers benefits not only to Visy but also our customers, who benefit from more efficient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing.
For more information on the water saving program at Visy's beverage can plants, please contact jon.maddox@visy.com.au
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