ENVIRONMENT

BUSINESS: 295 PRACTICES


TOPIC:

Initiative

Production process redesign in order to reduce direct CO2 emissions

Production process redesign in order to reduce direct CO2 emissions
SUBMITTED FROM:

SYMETAL S.A.

Symetal has been involved in the production of aluminium foil products, mainly used in packaging solutions for the food, pharmaceutical and tobacco industries. With more than 40 years’ experience and expertise in aluminium foil rolling and converting processing, it offers tailor-made and innovative, high value-added solutions. Symetal is highly export-oriented, with more than 90% of its sales carried out in around 70 countries. Being a strategic partner to the largest consumer, food and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers, Symetal leverages on its technical expertise and implements a continuous development approach, following a business model that is based on sustainability and green economy principles.

www.symetal.gr

 


Contact

Objective Action

Carbon footprint reduction by reducing natural gas consumption of annealing furnaces.

 

Target Audience

The program targets internally and aims in protecting the environment.

 

Duration

6 months


Description

During the rolling process, aluminium foil is passing through the work rolls of the rolling mill. There, the foil is forced to pass through a gap of specific thickness which is less than that of the strip. Thus, it is plastically deformed and its thickness is reduced. The foil is then wrapped again in a coil. This procedure is repeated several times until the desirable thickness is accomplished. Final thickness can be as low as 6μm. During the rolling process aluminium increases in hardness, a phenomenon called work hardening. As a result, aluminium foil’s tensile strength increases. In order to soften it, aluminium coils are placed in large furnaces at high temperatures for a long period of time. Desired mechanical properties are achieved through the annealing process while the rolling oils residues are evaporated.

In Symetal, we redesigned the production process of two product groups (Thin Converter Foil & Medium Converter Foil) aiming to significantly reduce the annealing time and temperature. By altering the above mentioned process we achieved 35,6% reduction in natural gas consumption per tonne of produced aluminium (calculations were based on consumption measurements in all four natural gas furnaces).  Reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions were equally redused.


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Impact on Society

We achieved 32.4% reduction in natural gas consumption and as a result an equal reduction in direct GHG emissions.



Initiative Location

Symetal - Oinofyta Foil Rolling Plant,


Working with Organization

No cooperation with other associations.


Workers Participation

A team of process engineers and quality control engineers was assigned to design the new process.


Photos

Benefits for Οrganization

The benefits from implementing the techniques mentioned above, are rather important for Symetal:

  • We achieved 35.6% reduction in natural gas consumption per tonne of aluminium and therefore, we contribute to natural resources saving. Additionally, the reduction in natural gas consumption is a major financial benefit to the company.
  • We achieved 35.6% reduction in indirect CO2 emissions per tonne of aluminium, thus contributing to global warming battle.
  • We managed to improve the surface quality of the product and keep our customers satisfied.
  • The reduction in annealing time increases the department’s capacity without being necessary to invest in new furnaces.



Connection with Global Goals



No Connection with Global Goals found





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