Converting wastes to raw materials

Abstract

Because of its international structure, N.V. Philips has established a system of international cooperation to ensure that its antipollution measures and procedures are fully implemented and coordinated throughout the company. The overall aims are to prevent pollution and to minimize waste products. There is close liaison with local, regional, national, and international authorities concerning standards and specifications. A number of new process techniques and plant modifications for redesigns are presented as examples of Philips' efforts in this area. Some process modifications yielded immediate financial advantage even when the costs in the old situation were compared directly to those in the new; others proved slightly more costly in the new situation, but are still more financially attractive in relation to the capital costs involved in wastewater treatment and effluent charges. Philips tries to prevent pollution by modifying or designing processes to give zero pollution; where this cannot be achieved, the company attempts to minimize its pollution and contain it in-plant; all waste products are purified and the ensuing pollution, if any, kept to minimal levels. Reuse, regeneration to raw or auxiliary materials, and the supply of regenerated substances as raw materials are examples of the residual value of wastes. The preparationmore » of a materials balance sheet for raw and auxiliary materials helps increase knowledge of the environmental consequences of a new process or the production of a new product.« less