Innovation for the Environment
ADC KRONE's Berkeley Vale Site Environmental Initiatives

Power Consumption

Lighting

Skylights have been installed to maximise light into our production facility. The large high bay lights are switched off on sunny days and after hours when machines are running without staff. These lights will be soon replaced with energy efficient lights.

Double fluro bulbs have been replaced with single wherever possible, which as saved 116 tonnes of C02 emissions per year – the equivalent of planting 19 trees.

These initiatives reduce our greenhouse emissions by 123 tonnes per year – the equivalent of planting 611 trees.

Energy Use

Hot water urns are switched off when not in use overnight. This has saved 5.7 tonnes in greenhouse emissions – the equivalent of planting 28 trees.

We will soon be installing solar panels to heat the hot water systems.

Waste Operations

Chemicals are recycled or reused wherever possible in the recycling process.

Any precious metal scraps (copper, stainless steel, brass, tin, silver and gold) are recycled and re-used.

Cable offcuts and completed components that are rejected in the quality testing process are melted down and recycled.

All paper materials are pulped and re-used. Recycled paper is used internally.

All stray wood and garden waste is recycled through a wood chipper to create mulch for the gardens, reducing the need to water the gardens.

We encourage staff to use the internal recycle bin for aluminium cans and bottles.

Plastics Recycling

Through scheduled planning of our granulators within the Mould Shop we have decreased our wastage of plastic material by over 30 tonnes per year.

Approximately 2-3 tonnes per month of plastic which is not recyclable through our machines is sent overseas for melt down and re-use in other products not sold by ADC KRONE such as household plastic materials. We also use some scrap material to make storage containers or other plastic devices for internal use.

An automated process on the production line uses a camera to detect errors and halt production until the source of the error is found. This is an excellent preventative tool for defects and ensures customer satisfaction while saving raw materials.

Granulators are installed on most moulding machines. These break down the waste particles and feed them back into the machine for re-use.

Water Consumption

Water usage has been halved since the installation of water tanks. Approximately 90% of this reduction has been through utilising the water run-off from the roof.

Water saving devices have been implemented in the bathroom facilities.

We have a 40,000 litre water tank for reserve and watering of gardens.

ADC KRONE’s water usage has dropped from 73 kilolitres per annum to 25 kilolitres.

Material Selection

ADC KRONE purchases its raw materials with a strong commitment to the community and the environment in mind. This is why most materials used to manufacture ADC KRONE products are recyclable. This includes plastics, metals and precious materials.

We have recently phased out hardwood pallet usage and replaced these with the more environmentally friendly pine wood material. This has not only reduced the tree consumption but also freight costs as the weight decreases by pallet from 18kg to 11kg.

Polystyrene has been replaced within the warehouse with biodegradable air bags and bubble wrap. For internal use, we have replaced polystyrene with shredded recycled paper.

Residuals requiring disposal

ADC KRONE engages the services of Mobil to analyse machine oil twice yearly. This has had the benefit of significant cost savings, and waste oil reduction through the extension of the oil’s life.

All used machine oils and the majority of solvents, are recycled of site at appropriate establishments. Waste oils are recycled by Coast and Valley Oils for reuse in other industries.

Video printing machines have been replaced with domino printing machines to reduce toxic emissions. This not only eliminates the atmospheric vapors, but also the fumes that were generated through the storage and use of the print fluid.

Smart Initiatives

Automation is in place to ensure that the maximum amount of each piece of sheet metal is used. The program minimises scrap from the stamping process.

The planting of Australian natives reduces the garden watering requirements. Although, all gardens are watered from a tank containing roof run-off.

Awareness programs to encourage staff to report any water leaks or innovative ideas for improvement.