Beyond Recycling: Making Can Production Truly Sustainable
Stefan van der Velden
Sr. International Technical Consultant | Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical engineering, Acoustics and Refrigeration technology
Sustainability is no longer a luxury but a necessity in the canmaking industry. While metal cans are among the most recyclable packaging options compared to plastic, the energy demands of can production plants present a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to climate control.
Did you know that climate control systems can account for up to 10% of a plant’s total energy consumption? This is especially true for plants using traditional mechanical cooling combined with additional heating systems. While these systems provide temperature regulation, they often fall short in ventilation capacity. Insufficient ventilation not only allows production-related contaminants to accumulate but also worsens the issue of negative air pressure within the facility.
Negative pressure can have far-reaching consequences: contamination risks, compromised hygiene standards, and inefficient airflow throughout the plant. On top of that, conventional climate systems often result in high operational costs and a significant carbon footprint. Clearly, there is a pressing need for more efficient and sustainable alternatives.
The Impact of Sustainable Climate Systems
A well-designed climate system can be transformative. By opting for innovative solutions such as adiabatic cooling combined with heat recovery, canmaking plants can significantly reduce both their environmental impact and operating costs.
What are the advantages of adiabatic systems with heat recovery?
Beyond Savings: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
When selecting a climate system, it’s crucial to consider not only the upfront investment but also the recurring costs and long-term benefits. Year after year, energy-efficient systems contribute to reduced operating expenses and a smaller ecological footprint.
In the canmaking industry, the fusion of sustainability and efficiency is key to long-term success. By adopting the right climate systems, plants can not only meet the growing demand for eco-friendly practices but also enhance their competitiveness through cost savings and operational improvements.
While the can industry already provides a sustainable packaging option, true sustainability begins within the production process. It’s time to take that next step and make the production itself more sustainable.
Curious about how your plant can benefit from smart climate systems? Get in touch, and let’s explore the possibilities together.
Contact us today to learn more about our climate control solutions. [email protected]