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Installation of light columns to limit energy consumption
Because plastic injection is the most electricity-intensive phase of production, Plastic Omnium has implemented visual management systems (light columns) to optimize its electricity consumption.
Main project's drivers for reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Energy and resource efficiency
Energy Decarbonisation
Energy efficiency improvements
Improving efficiency in non-energy resources
Emission removal
Financing low-carbon issuers or disinvestment from carbon assets
Reduction of other greenhouse gases emission
Project objectives
Implementation of visual management systems such as light boxes in its injection production areas to optimise energy consumption and avoid wastage.
Detailed project description
To contribute to Plastic Omnium’s objective of reducing its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 20% in 2025 compared with 2018, the Company is seeking to reduce its energy consumption and environmental footprint.
The plastic injection moulding machines are the most energy-intensive areas (in terms of electricity from the national grid) of the production sites.
The purpose of the light columns is to make the users of the injection moulding production areas responsible for switching the presses on and off correctly. A lighted aid on each machine lights up differently depending on the data from the electricity meters:
- In green: the press is working correctly, it is switched off or in nominal operation;
- In red: the press is incorrectly stopped or consumes too much energy for its In this case, it is necessary to investigate the cause.
A last glass case is located at the exit of the site, if it is red, it means that one of the presses is incorrectly stopped.
Following initial feedback (from the Ruitz factory, Pas de Calais), it is planned to move these lighted aids to the communication and work area of the injection production unit (in addition to the lighted aid next to each press).
Emission scope(s)
on which the project has a significant impact
Scope 1
Émissions directes générées par l’activité de l’entreprise.
Scope 2
Émissions indirectes associées à la consommation d’électricité et de chaleur de l’entreprise.
Scope 3
Émissions induites (en amont ou en aval) par les activités, produits et/ou services de l’entreprise sur sa chaine de valeur.
Absorption d’émissions
Création de puits de carbone, (BECCS, CCU/S, …)
Émissions évitées
par les activités, produits et/ou services de l’entreprise ou par le financement de projet de réduction d’émissions.
Scope 2 – Better use of energy-using equipment
- Quantification : – 12 tCO2eq/year
The Fontaine plant estimates a gain of 200MWh of electricity per year (i.e. approximately 3% of its total annual electricity consumption). An emission factor of 0.06 tCO2/MWh is considered for the electricity consumed on the French grid.
Key points
Invested amount
3 000€
Starting date of the project
March 2017
Project localisation
Fontaine factories, in the Belfort region
Project maturity level
Prototype laboratory test (TRL 7)
Real life testing (TRL 7-8)
Pre-commercial prototype (TRL 9)
Small-scale implementation
Medium to large scale implementation
Economic profitability of the project (ROI)
Short term (0-3 years)
Middle term (4-10 years)
Long term (> 10 years)
Illustrations of the project
This project will :
- Increase the life span of the equipment
- Reduce maintenance requirements
- Reduce HSE risks (noise, fire, etc.)
The project has strong replication potential across the division and the Plastic Omnium Group. It requires many actions to control the start-up and shutdown of equipment.
This project requires:
- The involvement of all management
- Regular monitoring and promotion of good practices at the sites
- An effective communication and sharing network within the division
A partnership with Schneider Electric (IRIO platform) has been initiated to implement energy monitoring solutions.
Contact the company carrying the projectntacter l'entreprise :
shr-fon.hse@plasticomnium.com
Plastic Omnium’s other projects :
Installation of a wind turbine, In Herentals, Belgium
In line with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality in its operating activities (scopes 1 and 2) by 2025, Plastic Omnium has decided to install a wind turbine …
