Successful completion of a project to ensure that no waste leaving the Leyland Trucks plant in Lancashire goes to landfill attracted a visit from HRH Prince Michael of Kent recently.
The ‘Zero waste to Landfill’ programme has involved close co-operation with Leyland Trucks many component suppliers. It has led to a significant increase in the use of re-usable pallets and other containers in which components are delivered plus the development of some innovative new packaging solutions.
Plastics, polystyrene, cardboard, paper and wood are now recycled and are re-used in a variety of ways from children’s playground equipment to construction materials. The paint waste is treated at a special facility and converted into a product used in the manufacture of cement, while general waste that cannot be reused or recycled is sent to an ‘Energy from Waste’ facility to generate electricity for the national grid.
At the end of the tour Prince Michael, who is known to be an enthusiastic supporter of sustainable environmental initiatives, expressed his admiration for what Leyland Trucks had achieved in setting a standard for others to follow. The programme has also had a positive effect on the competitiveness of the plant through cost reductions achieved.
