Waste Minimisation Focus Groups

Focus Groups comprise of representatives from participating companies operating within the manufacturing sector. Each group is led by a convenor usually an expert from the academic/research world under contract with the AMC.

At present, a number of Industry Focus Groups have been established and projects selected which are being undertaken by the AMC. Through this approach, AMC provides assurance that its projects:

• Have the support of industry leaders,
• Are directed at practical solutions,
• Will be tested and implemented, and
• Will have the new technology transferred to industry.

Focus Groups have been targeted at six industry sectors. Member companies are involved in the development and implementation of the selected waste minimisation project. These projects are developed on the basis of each industry or the companies specific priorities.

The target areas are:

• Food Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Plastic Packaging Industry
• Wood Products Industry
• Western Sydney Regional Group
• Furnishing and Fitout Industry - This group ceased its activities due to the inability to identify direct benefits as the industry believes that most waste issues are beyond their control and are directly related to their customer requirements or suppliers.

The achievements made by these groups can be attributed to the collaborative effort of the group and the ability to exchange ideas without any loss of confidentiality or commercially sensitive information being passed on. This type of group environment has allowed for sharing of existing solutions along with jointly developing new solutions and developing a common approach to adopting improved waste reduction and control methods.