Seeking a sustainable method to process waste

International Logistics Centre is a family-run business, with its head office in Fosse Way, Newark. They specialise in project logistics, shipping, and export packing, providing a gateway to any destination in the World. They provide bespoke packaging solutions, and their predominant packaging material is virgin wood.

About the International Logistics Centre

Virgin wood is reused until the size is so small that it cannot be used for packaging and this principle of operation fits well with the principles of the waste hierarchy. However, these small pieces of wood waste used to be disposed of via an onsite combustion process which, while burning cleanly, was producing plumes of white smoke and water vapor. Although this process has been in place since the start, the company felt this was not keeping in line with their longer-term aspirations. Given the firm's desire to reduce its environmental impact, the company owner approached the DE-Carbonise project team for help.

Why did they engage with DE-Carbonise

The company was concerned about the waste material it generated from the wooden packaging and was looking to find a more sustainable method to process waste product.

What has been the impact of working with DE-Carbonise?

A carbon reduction assessment was carried out at International Logistics Centre by the DE-Carbonise team from the University of Derby. Initial consultation and assessment of the waste stream identified that the company could move to a more environmentally friendly waste processing route.

It was recommended that a chipped wood product could be produced from the waste.

The wood used in packaging was not treated and therefore the DE-Carbonise team identified that it would be suitable as ground cover, for flowerbeds and footpaths, within the local area.

The next stage was to assess the process and equipment needed for chipping on site. Several options were considered, looking at both static and mobile chipping equipment (as International Logistics Centre package significant numbers of items whilst on client sites), allowing the total waste stream to be controlled.

The wood chipping of wood waste was implemented on site. This alternative waste disposal route led to a carbon saving of over 10 tonnes. It also prevented the burning of wood waste and therefore eliminated the release of particulate emissions associated with combustion processes.

Next Steps

Upon completion we have scoped a longer-term collaboration, including a ‘Net Zero site strategy.’ This builds upon the completed carbon reduction assessment for solid waste. 

 

About DE-Carbonise

DE-Carbonise is a three year collaboration between the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, which started in November 2019. The collaboration is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and follows on from the successful D2 Energy Efficiency/Low Carbon project.

Logo's for European Union Regional Development Fun, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Midlands Engine.

Get in contact with us

To find out about current support available for your business in reducing your environmental impact, or your journey to net-zero. Please get in contact with our business gateway team.

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