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ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS FOR A MANUFACTURER OF FIRE RETARDANT PLASTIC PELLETS AND HOT MELT ADHESIVES.
Citation:
Saga, H. AND D. J. Watts. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH BRIEF: WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES AND OPTIONS FOR A MANUFACTURER OF FIRE RETARDANT PLASTIC PELLETS AND HOT MELT ADHESIVES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/S-92/052 (NTIS 93-123248), 1992.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded a project with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) to assist in conducting waste minimization assessments at thirty small to medium sized businesses in the state of New Jersey. One of the sites selected was a facility that manufactures fire retardant plastic pellets and hot melt adhesives. The manufacturing process for the plastic pellets uses a batch procedure in mixers where resins are combined with flame retardants and other additives. The mix is allowed to solidify and formed into pellets. The hot melt adhesive is produced by extruding a polymer with the necessary additives followed by washing and pelletizing. Site visit was made in 1990 during which several opportunities for waste minimization were identified. Options identified included changes in sequencing of production, modifications of waste water treatment practices, changes in hydraulic oil use and reuse practices. Implementation of the identified waste minimization opportunities was not part of the program. Percent waste reduction, net annual savings, implementation costs and payback periods were estimated.