Vinidex Focus on Environmental Sustainability Practices

An Environmental Success Story

Vinidex has been awarded a number of environmental awards including:

• Innovation Award for Process Innovation (NSW Government)
• Recognition of Participation in Profiting from Cleaner Production (NSW Department of Environment & Conservation)
• Best Strategic Sustainability Outcomes (NSW Department of Environment & Conservation)
• Water Environment Merit Award (Australian Water Association)
• Gold Milestone - SEDA Energy Smart Business Program

Case Study - "Best Strategic Sustainability Outcomes"

Vinidex, one of Australia's leading thermoplastic pipe systems manufacturer was awarded the "Best Strategic Sustainability Outcomes" category in a $5 million "Profiting from Cleaner Production" Industry Partnership Program sponsored by the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

The Vinidex Smithfield manufacturing site in NSW was recognised for their achievement in reducing greenhouse gases through cleaner production and energy efficiency, thus reducing operating costs as well as protecting the environment.

The Vinidex company culture embraces continuous improvement, including environmental performance. As a major consumer of electricity, we are actively involved in introducing energy-saving initiatives to achieve savings in production as well as benefiting the environment.

How Did We Do It??

Vinidex introduced key performance indicators directly related to production output measuring energy consumption per tonne of product. New technology was the key to improvement so Vinidex embarked on several upgrading projects to significantly reduce energy consumption, including:

Moulding Machines Upgrade: Old injection moulding machines were replaced by new state-of-the-art units, which uses less energy to mould fittings and improves the output consistency.

Lighting Upgrade: Light-sensitive switches were installed on all outdoor lights so they automatically turn off during daylight. Throughout indoor areas, existing globes were replaced by metal halide lights. Energy consumption per tonne have been reduced by 20% over the 2003-04 period - a reduction of approximately 5000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to 1050 cars off the road each year!

Develop Energy Efficient Products: Through better product design, Vinidex have pioneered a new PVC pipe calling it "Supermain", which requires 25% less raw materials, uses less energy to make as well as having superior physical characteristics.

Recycling & Waste Management Programs: By reusing and recycling PVC, Vinidex had reduced landfill waste by 85 tonnes in 2003. Working with external waste management firms, recyclable waste at Vinidex is segregated, collected and sent off site for recycling, saving a total of 12 tonnes of cardboard and 13 tonnes of metal scrap from landfill.

During a time when environmental issues are of high importance to the community, Vinidex have joined forces with the government to better manage energy resources and combat environmental challenges. Vinidex are committed to continuous improvement and we will continue to integrate environmental objectives into our business strategies for a sustainable future.