Major Award recognises Ardagh for Energy Efficiency

The company received a highly commended award in the Carbon Trust’s Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Awards 2012. The award was earned for concerted efforts made to save energy at its plant at Irvine in Ayrshire.A systematic energy saving programme has resulted in an annual reduction of approximately 2,405tCO₂ emissions, with annual savings for the company of over £165,000.  

The judges praised Ardagh’s diligent and methodical approach to achieving energy, carbon and costs savings. They singled out the company’s systematic implementation of variable speed drives into various aspects of the glass production process as innovative within the glass containers industry. It was also noted that this approach can be scaled up, with the potential for substantial savings if and when carried across the international sites in the Ardagh Group.  

Paul Wedgwood, Manager of Carbon Trust Scotland, said:

“The work undertaken by the Ardagh Group, and the results they have achieved, is an excellent example of how a business can save money and help the environment by becoming energy efficient. The company have made considerable improvements in various aspects of the glass container production process and continue to demonstrate commitment to improvement in energy efficiency within the Irvine site and indeed across the company’s network of European operations.

“The standard of entries this year was particularly high; however the judges were very impressed by the effort and processes put in place across the Ardagh Group site in Irvine. The extent of their energy projects really does provide an exemplar for others to follow.” 

Ray Blackwell, Plant Director for Ardagh Group Irvine said:

“Ardagh is delighted to receive recognition for the work by everyone at the factory in reducing the impact on both the environment and Ardagh’s business as a whole. We would like to thank the Carbon Trust and for their continued support of Ardagh Group in Irvine.”