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Prysmian Group – 2015 Sustainability Report
Environment
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MAIN INITIATIVES TO LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
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A factory scrap reduction programme in Cebu, Philippines, during 2015 has drastically reduced the volume
of non-hazardous waste mixture (37% reduction in the quantities disposed per tonne of product, compared
with 2014). The main efforts were made on the extrusion lines, linking the results with a series of bonuses for
those who achieved scrap reductions.
At the Delft factory, the Netherlands, there were significant reductions in the quantities of spent oils (37%
reduction in quantity per tonne of product compared with the previous year) and spent emulsions (23%
reduction per tonne of product compared with 2014). A consultant has also been appointed to optimise the
management of process oils. In addition, improvements in the maintenance of the conduits for the drawing
lines have reduced emulsion losses, which were disposed of as waste in previous years. Again in 2015, the
steam generator was replaced by new one that, by requiring less water, generates lower emulsion losses
(also previously disposed of as waste).
At the Gron factory, France, there was a marked decrease in the spent solvent sent for disposal (about a
54% reduction in quantity per tonne of production in 2015 compared with the previous year). This decrease
was made possible by replacing the use of solvents with other washing methods and materials including,
specifically, electric brushing and washing with hot water and detergent.
At the North Digthon factory, United States, there was a major reduction in water consumption (35%
decrease in consumption per tonne of product compared with 2014) following replacement of the heat
recovery system.
The consumption of water per tonne of product also fell at the Sorocaba energy plant, Brazil (down 24%
compared with 2014). This achievement was assisted by the automation of the water supply system for the
tower, which has resulted in avoiding overflow losses that need to be replaced. Previously the water level
was topped up manually.
Again in Brazil, the reduction in water consumption at the Vila Velha plant (58% decrease per tonne of
product in 2015 compared with 2014) was due to reusing the same tank of water for multiple product
immersion tests.
The condition of water used in the test tak deteriorates with use. For this reason, unfortunately, additives
must be purchased to extend its useful life, which means that even more tests can be carried out.
At the Santa Perpetua factory, Spain, the quantity of water used per tonne of product was reduced by 27%
compared with the previous year, due to:
a steam recovery system;
the improved water treatment, enabling the circuit valves to be kept closed for longer, thus
increasing the reuse of water and reducing consumption;
improvements in the osmosis membrane operating conditions at the water treatment plant, resulting
in a reduced quantity of discharges.
Lastly, at the Slatina factory, Romania, a reduction in the packaging sent for disposal (47% decreased in
quantity per unit of product) was due to more massive reuse previous to disposal.
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