SME manufacturers could slash costs with recycled materials

A typical manufacturing SME spends around 50% of its overheads on materials - a cost that can be significantly reduced by using more recycled materials, according to WRAP.


Over 100 business leaders from across Wales attended a WRAP Cymru conference in Cardiff last week (November 3) to learn how to capitalise on the economic benefits of preventing waste and using recycled materials in their products.

The event featured speeches from Welsh Environment Minister John Griffiths, WRAP CEO Dr Liz Goodwin and David Sher, policy advisor from the Environmental Services Association.

Delegates debated how to strike the balance between the best waste collection methods to maximise recycling and reprocessors’ and manufacturers’ needs to ensure these waste materials are of high enough quality to be sold on and made into new products.

Head of WRAP Cymru, Beth Winkley, said: “Welsh businesses still produce a huge amount of waste. I want companies to understand the role that they can play in making better use of their resources to benefit the environment as well as their bottom line.”

She added: “Over the last three years we have worked with more than 350 businesses in Wales providing a range of support including interim managers, consultancy and funding. I want to makes sure that as many Welsh businesses as possible benefit from our support.”

Maxine Perella

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