As environmental issues continue to dominate headlines around the globe, one growing labels business is using the sustainability agenda to help drive efficiency and productivity at its Kidderminster base.
Aztec Label is consistently working to reduce its own carbon footprint, not only through significant investment in energy-saving – and energy-producing – technology, but also through implementing new processes and systems that are delivering improvements across the business.
The company, which is nearing 27 years of production of high quality self-adhesive labels, recently undertook a £250,000 refurbishment of its new premises – and Managing Director Colin Le Gresley said the huge environmentally-responsible investment has already paid dividends.
“We then installed solar panels – a huge 360-panel, 98kwh system – and we now generate a huge part of our own electrical consumption,” said Colin. “In three months alone we generated more than 50 megawatts of power, enough to power 17 average homes for a year. As well as generating its own power, Aztec Label has reduced its energy consumption through a number of initiatives, including replacing most of its lighting with energy-efficient LEDs and the business is currently investigating converting from traditional UV driers to new LED drying.
“We were also an early adopter of the BPIF ‘Zero Labels 2 Landfill’ scheme,” said Colin, “and since 2017 have remained members of what is still one of the only schemes in the UK exclusively operated within our industry aimed at eliminating label waste being sent to landfill.
“We have successfully implemented a full quality control system at every stage of our operation, with rigorous testing and cross checks which serves to eliminate errors and further reduce waste,” added Colin, “and we also have full traceability on the key materials used. This final point is something that is obviously of vital importance for many customers, in order to clearly demonstrate they are adhering to their own CSR objectives.”
Colin explained that as part of the efficiency drive, Aztec Label has undertaken to collect as much data as possible using its Label Traxx Management Information System. “This means that every one of our presses collects data, timings and costs, then analyses all the results in terms of forecasts against production,” he said. “This enables us to maximise our operational efficiency in real time. When running three machines on shifts over an entire month we were within seven hours of the forecast, so the potential for savings across the board is obvious.”
Colin said that he was looking at every element of the business as part of an overall efficiency drive. “One thing visitors to our facilities immediately notice is that the factory is spotlessly clean,” he said. “We looked at anywhere we could make a real difference – such as having dedicated wash up crews – and following the refurbishment, we have instilled such a sense of pride in the workforce that they are committed to keeping the factory in a clean state.
“Everyone is chasing a solution to the problem of sustainability in their business. But for us this is not about the money, it’s about the benefits. I’m planning for future generations,” said Colin. “It’s not just for me and my business, but my employees, their kids, my own kids – we will all ultimately benefit.”
Aztec Label
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