Graz
Graz plant wins the Graz Eco-Profit Award for the ninth time in 2006
Fresenius Kabi in Graz, Austria has again been awarded the 2006 Graz Eco-Profit Award – for the ninth time. The production site has been a partner in the environmentally sustainable profitability program of the Graz environmental protection agency for ten years. The program has inspired many similar projects worldwide. The Eco-Profit concept (www.oekoprofit-graz.at, in German only) is based on a win-win model for both the environment and participating companies: The companies become more productive and efficient through the use of innovative technologies, which also help to improve the region's environment. The Ministry for the Environment, private companies and external consultants all work closely together in a training program.
In 2006, the plant optimized the use of cleaning materials in production. In addition, a sort-clean separation system was installed for a total of 26 metric tons of plastic film, all of which can be recycled externally to make plastic goods such as containers and tubes.
In addition, the company is saving on water and natural gas by, for example, recycling hot water that is a by-product of the production process. Through waste separation and recycling, natural resources are preserved while lowering waste-disposal costs. Fresenius Kabi has also sound-proofed the plant, reducing noise pollution. Clothing for non-production staff has been changed from single-use overalls to a multiple-use clothing system. This alone has allowed the company to reduce its waste output by one ton a year.
As part of an integrated management system, the Graz plant redefines its goals in terms of quality, safety and the environment on a yearly basis.