Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008 - (Page 20)

Alice/Getty Images Eight steps to improved water efficiency Improving water efficiency can help pharmaceutical manufacturers reduce waste and improve performance. Geoff Leaver from Envirowise. W ater minimization is one of the simplest ways pharmaceuticals firms can achieve cost savings. Research has shown that manufacturers that have never examined their water consumption can usually make savings of approximately 30% on water and effluent bills by implementing straightforward water management measures. Water supply is likely to become increasingly expensive and, while pharmaceuticals companies use water at a number of stages in the manufacturing process, the majority is discharged as effluent, another expenditure. This is only the tip of the iceberg as valuable materials can often be lost to effluent, costing companies thousands. There are many advantages in reducing water use and effluent generation. Not only can the process help companies reduce operating costs and improve productivity, but improved environmental credentials can also offer further benefits. Water minimization can be treated as an independent initiative or as part of a wider programme to reduce waste and improve a company’s overall environmental performance. The process may seem immeasurable, but the following eight-step plan is designed to help companies make the change, enforce it and review the rewards. Step 1: win support and conduct initial review The first step is to tour the site to identify areas where water is wasted and where there are opportunities for minimization or reuse. In particular, companies should question why certain practices are performed and the reasons why the water ends up as waste. Potential savings can then be estimated. A cost savings worksheet can help to guide a company through this process. Senior management buy-in plays a fundamental role in the success of any new initiative, and now is 20 JULY 2008 PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008

Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008 Contents Industry Highlights Morpheus Market Watch Overcoming the Barriers The Tide of Change Eight Steps to Improved Water Efficiency Q&A

Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008

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