A market for the finely-cut foam particles was established. The reclaimed EVA is directly incorporated back into processing on-site. Not only were disposal costs reduced and a source of revenue established but EVA raw material costs were significantly reduced. In addition to these major waste reduction projects, the company has implemented several small profit-building practices suggested by employees. Returnable containers are used to ship product, saving packaging costs.
Recycled paper is used for most office correspondence.
Currently, a project is underway to redesign the faucets on solvent drums for more efficient shutoff, eliminating overfilling and dripping when liquids are withdrawn. Employee Idea Stimulators United Technologies' waste reduction successes began as Quality Circle suggestions. Quality Circles, consisting of six to eight employees, meet for one hour each week to review plant operating concerns. The circles may consider any aspect of operations, except for confidential areas such as payroll. No suggestion is dismissed as being insignificant.