In 2014, Weisser worked intensively on the potential for improving waste disposal. A disposal matrix was drawn up, from which it became clear that disposal needed to be made more uniform and efficient. The aim was to streamline the disposal processes, save costs and find a single point of contact for the disposal of cardboard packaging. To this end, Tobias Mettmann, Assistant to the Production Manager, visited the LogiMat trade fair with some colleagues and came across Strautmann. The AutoLoadBaler baling press with automatic filling and a small footprint made an immediate impression.

Before: long distances and disorder

Employees from an external company had previously taken the cardboard containers outside to the press container at Weisser. Many and also long distances had to be accepted here. The recyclable materials were collected in a wide variety of containers, which often resulted in a mess. The employees had to tip the cardboard from the bins into the compactor, a laborious and nerve-wracking task. As soon as the waste containers were too heavy, they were also taken outside using forklift trucks. As many visits are made to the plant, the disorder caused by the different types of containers and the heavy forklift traffic were disruptive and did not enhance the company's image. In addition, the weather conditions in the Black Forest made disposal anything but easy. The doors to the press container outside were often open as waste was constantly being disposed of. As minimal temperature differences lead to the machines being readjusted, these were additional disruptive and cost factors. Overall, high rental and handling costs were the result of a very costly and time-consuming disposal process.

Now: more effective and streamlined

"With the AutoLoadBaler, we are now much more effective. We have streamlined the disposal processes and saved a lot of time and effort - any unnecessary additional work outside of our core competence of mechanical engineering means waste, and this also applies to disposal," explains Tobias Mettmann.

The installation of the two presses at central locations in the halls saves time and walking distances. © Strautmann Environmental Technology

An AutoLoadBaler was installed in the warehouse and in the assembly area. A total of 18 collection trolleys have been set up at the disposal stations in production, the warehouse and the office building to ensure efficient disposal. Cardboard and paper from the office building are stored in collection trolleys and transported to the press. Two employees from an external company are now responsible for all waste disposal at Weisser. The central location of the paper presses and the collection trolleys at the disposal stations save walking distances and time.

The simple filling system of the Strautmann product impresses employees. The collection trolley is simply pushed into the side of the AutoLoadBaler and emptied automatically at the touch of a button. An empty collection trolley is always available at the baler. The employees take it back and place it at the appropriate disposal station.

The directly marketable bales can be collected by the disposal company at prices that are valid on the raw materials market. Ten to twelve 400 to 450 kg bales are stored in the covered outdoor storage area and then collected.

An AutoLoadBaler was also installed in the Weisser warehouse. © Strautmann Environmental Technology

The two AutoLoadBalers are calculated with a maximum amortization period of 1.5 to 2 years due to the high cost savings in terms of walking distances and handling costs.

The installation of the two presses at central locations in the halls saves time and walking distances. The doors remain closed and forklift traffic in the disposal logistics area is significantly reduced. Disposal has not only become more efficient, but also safer and more reliable. The risk of accidents during disposal has also been eliminated. Time-saving disposal processes are another important aspect. "Compared to disposal with the press container outside, disposal with the AutoLoadBaler inside is a blessing for the safety of our employees and the efficiency of disposal logistics," concludes Mettmann.

LogiMat: Hall 3, Stand 3A61