Energywise

SHROPSHIRE, UK (May 2010) – iSmithers, the information business within Smithers Rapra, has conducted a European-wide survey to benchmark the level of knowledge of plastics processors in relation to energy management and efficiency.

The survey, part of the EU-funded project ENERGYWISE Plastics, found that 66% of companies had not yet implemented an energy efficiency programme but due to the economic climate and competition from low cost countries are now working to find potential savings, and particularly energy savings. By implementing an energy efficiency programme, the majority of companies identified that they could reduce costs, improve competitiveness and optimise their processes. The full results of the survey can be downloaded from www.energywiseplastics.eu.

Based on the results of the successful Intelligent Energy Europe project ‘RECIPE’, ENERGYWISE Plastics will develop an elearning platform and training materials for those working within the plastics industry to increase their knowledge and understanding of energy management.

Using a ‘blended learning’ approach ENERGYWISE Plastics will provide interactive online modules and supporting hard-copy resources focusing on three different areas within an organisation: management, processing and peripherals.

ENERGYWISE Plastics is managed by iSmithers, working with a consortium of 7 partners from across Europe including the British Plastics Federation, the Danish Technological Institute, AIMPLAS (Spain), PEP (France), ASCAMM (Spain) and Fraunhofer-ICT (Germany).

For more information on ENERGYWISE Plastics or energy efficiency in plastics processing, contact Suzanne Wilkinson, tel: +44 (0) 1939 252435 or email: swilkinson@rapra.net