Fisher Controls International

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Packaging

Industry: Metal Fabrication

Wastes Reduced: Packaging

Substance: Foam

Equipment: Kraft Paper

Location: McKinney TX

No. of employees: 450

Contact: Robert Butcher

Phone: (214) 548-3533

Description:

Fisher packed its valves using a two chemical foam system. A sheet of plastic was placed between the chemicals and the product. It then expands around the product creating a protective nest. In addition to the health hazards placed on the users, many of Fisher's customers have a difficult time disposing of the material. It's Canadian customers refused to accept valves packed in foam.

P2 Application:

Fisher converted to a kraft paper based packing material. This material is made by several manufacturers; theirs is called "Cushion Kraft". It is 100% recyclable as cardboard. Extensive tests were conducted as Fisher ships very heavy metal valves requiring that the packing material not compress. All test found that the kraft paper did not compress and was acceptable even under severe weight and abuse conditions.

Environmental Benefits:

This conversion eliminated the use of 7,370 gallons of chemicals. Once expanded, this would have produced almost 200,000 cubic feet of waste needing disposal.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

Packaging costs remained unchanged over the course of a year. The benefit to Fisher of better customer relations can not be accurately measured.

Source: TCEQ