Atlas Copco Compressors Help CHEP to Reduce Carbon Emissions by over 1, 000 Tonnes


CHEP, the world’s leading provider of pallet and container pooling solutions, has achieved significant energy savings through the installation of energy efficient Atlas Copco compressors at its pallet production and repair sites in the UK. The savings from the installation have been measured at over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.



CHEP has a sophisticated network of service centre facilities strategically located across the UK where pallets are returned, inspected and repaired before being reissued in to the supply chain. Seven of these plants have installed Atlas Copco equipment, including 8-9 bar compressed air which is used to transport the wooden pallets around the inspection and repair process. There are also two air-driven nail guns on each repair bench and an average of 20 benches at each site. Together, these installations have helped to optimize the compressed air system used in all sites as well as eliminate air leaks.



As a sustainable and environmentally aware organisation, CHEP is committed to minimise its energy demand and carbon footprint. Subsequently, the company’s UK site managers undertook an 18 month review of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions at the company’s process plants. The project included the monitoring and assessment of compressor system efficiency at the seven Service Centre sites.



As part of this energy consumption and performance audit, Atlas Copco’s Manchester-based distributor, Compressor Engineering, installed iiTrak datalogger units for a specific period at each compressor installation. From this data, the conclusion was reached that by installing more energy-efficient compressors, backed by a programme of planned, preventative maintenance, optimum performance could be achieved, along with reduced energy costs and increased carbon savings.



At the end of 2011 CHEP installed a number of new Atlas Copco GA-series rotary screw compressors at five of its sites and transferred other existing units between the company’s remaining two sites. All of the Atlas Copco machines installed featured Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology that matches compressor output to fluctuating demand - with the potential to realise consequent energy savings in the region of 35%. CHEP also chose to support the new VSD compressors and the existing machines with an Atlas Copco Comfort Air service and maintenance package handled by Compressor Engineering.



Simon Wood, Plant Manager at CHEP’s Pontefract Service Centre and manager for this project was delighted with the outcome of the compressor upgrade: “Our relationship with Atlas Copco in the UK is fantastic, and the whole project has been a resounding success. The service and ‘leaving no stone unturned’ approach from Atlas Copco has been incredibly thorough and the performance that the machines has delivered has contributed to our sustainability objectives across the business.”



CHEP is the global leader in managed, returnable and reusable packaging solutions, serving many of the world’s largest companies in sectors such as consumer goods, fresh produce, beverage and automotive. CHEP’s service is environmentally sustainable and increases efficiency for customers while reducing operating risk and product damage. CHEP’s 7,000-plus employees and about 300 million pallets and containers offer unbeatable coverage and exceptional value, supporting more than 500,000 customer touch-points in more than 50 countries. Our customer portfolio includes global companies and brands such as Unilever, Procter Gamble, Sysco, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestlé, Ford and GM. CHEP is part of Brambles Limited. For further information, visit www.chep.com.



Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. With innovative products and services, Atlas Copco delivers solutions for sustainable productivity. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2012, Atlas Copco had 39 800 employees and revenues of BSEK 90.5 (BEUR 10.5). Learn more at www.atlascopco.com.



Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area provides industrial compressors, gas and process compressors and expanders, air and gas treatment equipment and air management systems. It has a global service network and offers specialty rental services. Compressor Technique innovates for sustainable productivity in the manufacturing, oil and gas, and process industries. Principal product development and manufacturing units are located in Belgium, Germany, the United States, China and India 

All Topics