Small and medium-sized businesses working in the manufacturing sector in Wales are discovering how using recycled materials could reduce overheads, thanks to free support from business advisors.
As many as 30 companies will benefit from WRAP Cymru’s (Waste & Resources Action Programme) REMake Programme, which provides up to £17,000 worth of advice and support for participating businesses.
Welsh SMEs which are interested in finding out more about using recycled materials in their products or packaging can access expert technical consultants who can help them assess whether such a move would be feasible. Businesses receive up to six days support, including site visits and help with research and planning.
A second package – with up to 15 days support – is available for companies which have already decided to use recycled materials but need help with implementation.
The average SME in Wales spends up to half its costs on sourcing raw materials, so anything which can help reduce these costs can result in a real business boost. Even using more recycled materials in packaging can make a difference.
South Wales business Magstim makes specialist medical equipment. Its products are high value and high-tech and need proper packaging to keep them safe – but this means that the company spends up to £12 per packaging box. That’s why Magstim asked for support to investigate how to use more recycled materials in its packaging.
Support comes from technical experts with experience in the same field. Businesses even get the opportunity to choose the most appropriate expert for their needs.
Bettina Gilbert from WRAP Cymru said: “Recycling isn’t just about being green; using more recycled materials in your products or packaging can bring real business benefits.
“REMake gives manufacturing SMEs the chance to find out whether they could use recycled materials without having to worry about outlay. That’s why it’s perfect for businesses which maybe like the idea of using recycled materials but aren’t sure whether it would be feasible.
“Participating businesses get to work with experts who can tell them how they could go about using fewer raw materials or making use of the waste they produce. And because there’s no cost for companies, they get all the benefits but the process is risk-free.”
REMake can help:
· Identify cost savings
· Implement more efficient processes or products
· Source and trial recycled materials
· Meet quality control and product specifications
· Reduce packaging
· Improve design or sourcing
· Improve a business’ carbon footprint
WRAP Cymru and C-Tech Innovation are hosting a manufacturing workshop for SMEs at Technium Optic in St Asaph 1 February. Delegates will learn why more manufacturers are making resource efficiency an important element of their business and learn about the no-cost support and capital grants available from WRAP Cymru.
They will also get the opportunity to take part in a hands-on training session to learn more about the value of sustainable design and lifecycle assessment and try free to use carbon footprinting tools.
WRAP Cymru and C-Tech advisors will be available for one to one business advice and there will also be networking opportunities, plus the chance to use the ‘REMake’ self-assessment tool to rate the resource efficiency of their business.
To find out more about REMake visit www.wrapcymru.org.uk or call 029 2044 8090.