Cleaner Production

The Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) has facilitated the National Industry Waste Minimisation Project. The funding was provided by the Federal Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources. This project consisted of a number of participating companies within five industry sectors working collaboratively to identify and implement waste minimization strategies and projects.

From the achievments acquired from the project we have to date established five new industry projects under the Cleaner Production Industry Partnership Program with the NSW EPA (NSW DEC). They include the Metals Industry, Diecasting and Molten Metal Industry, Electroplating Industry, Chemicals Industry and Environmental Purchasing in the Food Industry.

Benefits of Participation

• Compliance with local and overseas legislation to reduce risks
• Waste minimisation through cleaner production resulting in lower costs, safer work environments
• Improved employee involvement in waste minimisation programs
• Increased attractiveness to consumers, markets, investors and insurers

  Aims and Objectives

  The overall aims of the NSW EPA Cleaner Production Partnership Program are:

• To reduce energy, water and raw material usage
• To recover reusable resources rather than disposal
• To develop commitment from industry to implement cleaner production projects
• To promote the widespread adoption of cleaner production

  The Process

  Regular monthly group meetings will be held either at the Australian Technology Park, on site at a member company or other special interest location. Within these workshops a range of topics will be addressed to assist members implement their cleaner production plans. Activities and special interest seminars will be determined by the needs of the member companies.

  These will include:

• Technology diffusion sessions involving case studies and/or expert speakers
• Sessions based on themes such as water, energy, oil use and hazardous wastes
• Undertaking of cleaner production assessments
• Site visits highlighting successful processes and technologies
• Development of individual company project plans and mentoring of the implementation of these
• Sharing across the group of experiences regarding both hard and soft (people) technologies

  Roles and Responsibilities

  The Advanced Manufacturing Centre provides the central project management role and will ensure timely communication and research requirements between member companies, suppliers, NSW EPA and other stakeholders. The AMC has already committed significant in-kind support and infrastructure resources to this project. Their specific roles is to:

• Establish group and maintain commitment
• Develop and facilitate workshops
• Provide up to date and relevant communication between all parties
• Research areas identified within workshops and source experts and processes
• Provide assistance in developing individual company implementation plans and breakthrough programs
• Report on milestones and outcomes to the NSW EPA
• Provide expert advice and on-site mentoring to all companies
  
  The Participating Companies are expected demonstrate their commitment to the program through providing in-kind contributions in the form of:

• Attendance at workshops and providing input to these
• Examining existing practices in-house for improvements
• Identifying priority areas and allocating resources
• Developing implementation plans as appropriate
• Providing feedback to AMC as required
• Sharing experiences within the group
• Collaborate, where appropriate, with other companies and their Supply Chains from within the cluster
• Looking for opportunities for cross fertilisation amongst different clusters
  

  Further information on Cleaner Production may be obtained through the Advanced Manufacturing Centre:
  Phone 02 9209 4209
  Fax 02 9209 4470
  Project is completed .