The Challenge:
At TPS, innovation and sustainability are always front of centre. For us recycling isn’t an afterthought, and we actively seek ways to turn our waste into a valuable resource.
One recent challenge that we faced, was managing the high-moisture powder waste generated during polypropylene production. This challenge was two-fold, as the traditional disposal methods were both environmentally unsound and they also represented a loss in valuable resources. We needed to identify, separate, and process this 65% liquid-content waste stream efficiently and cost-effectively for reintegration into the production cycle.
Finding the Right Innovation Partner
To address this challenge, we partnered with MET Technology Gateway at ATU Galway, as our innovation partner.
The MET multi-disciplinary team, examined different aspects of the process to identify the most effective solution. Their material engineers carried out a detailed analysis of the composition of the waste powder and proposed practical evidence-based circular solutions based on this analysis.
They also provided advice on drying and sorting technologies, enabling accurate waste identification and re-utilisation, leading to successful waste recovery.
Turning Challenges into Results
Some of the most impactful outcomes of our partnership with the MET team include:
- Accelerated new product introduction and process optimisation
- Significant reductions in waste and operating costs
- Creation of a valuable secondary raw material stream
- Widespread upskilling of the TPS team in circular economy practices
- Strengthened R&D capability and digital process innovation
- Enhanced competitiveness across the business
Why It Matters
Closing the loop in plastics manufacturing is a key goal for us at TPS. We are continuously looking at ways to recycle more materials, and find new uses for them.
This solution developed in collaboration with MET is just one of the ways that we recycle waste without our supply chain, and we continuously strive to be more sustainable, and we hope that by sharing our journey, we can encourage other companies to do the same, ultimately contributing to positive change across the plastics industry.