Carbon Trust Issues Low Carbon Innovation Challenge To Plastic Bottle Producers

The Carbon Trust is offering plastic bottle producers funding of up to £250,000 in a collaborative programme of research, development and demonstration that will accelerate uptake of new low carbon technologies, it was announced today.

As part of its Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA), the Carbon Trust has worked with key players in the sector to analyse the potential for new technologies and processes that will reduce energy use, save costs and cut carbon emissions.

The implementation of induction barrel heating on extrusion blow-moulding machines, claimed to deliver up to 75% energy savings over traditional ‘heating band’ technology, has been identified as a key innovation challenge.

Up to £250,000 is available to companies or consortia prepared to undertake research or development work in specific challenge area and help drive a step-change in the industry’s carbon reduction. Consortia could include plastic blow-moulding companies, induction heating technology suppliers, extrusion blow-moulding equipment suppliers and universities. Proposals for funding are required by 4th December 2009.

Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Innovations at the Carbon Trust, said:

“Our research shows there are some specific processes within the plastics sector where we can have a huge impact on improving efficiency. We are funding new research to prove the business case for investing in technologies and processes that help improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, this is an opportunity for companies to unlock major cost savings.”

The plastics industry faces increasing regulatory pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and the Carbon Trust programme is designed to help manage this. In 2008, a Climate Change Levy cost the blow-moulding sector £3.5m, however from October 2009, a Climate Change Agreement with government means that, subject to meeting energy efficiency targets, participating companies will receive a refund of up to 80% of the Climate Change Levy. Many blow-moulding sites will also be subject to the Carbon Reduction Commitment which comes into force in 2010, creating further incentive to reduce emissions.

Peter Davis, Director-General of the British Plastics Federation, commented:

“A joined up approach to tackling climate change is vital for the industry so we would encourage our members to work with the Carbon Trust on this exciting new innovation programme. We are confident that there is an important opportunity to further reduce carbon emissions in this sector whilst at the same time helping bottle manufacturers to identify real cost savings."