Project Stories
We take a look at recycling and sustainable manufacturing success stories from media+ our factory and institutional partners
SSEAC Podcast 2022
Joining Dr Natali Pearson on SSEAC Stories, Associate Professor Jane Gavan untangles some of these threads, explaining the relationship between creativity and manufacturing, and reflecting on sustainable, innovative ways of raising productivity and valuing creativity in Vietnam.
What are we seeing around the factories: recycling
In the Manufacturing Creativity project we have observed a high awareness of waste minimisation among our SME and large enterprise partners. Many factories and companies are proud of their efforts to date and keep a visible record of achievement in their offices. We see a range of approaches to meeting this omnipresent issue.
Some factories use traditional methods to recycle such as Hami Plastic Hanoi, who recycle plastic into new products. Some upcycle materials into more valuable products such as Noi Pallet Furniture Hanoi, who use recycled wood pallets to make furniture. Some factories like Coca Cola, return their waste to the supplier for recycling, and others recycle directly back into their manufacturing system such as Fulin in Bien Hoa.
At Fulin we saw ribbons of clear plastic off cuts running on guided rails through the air at speed back into the central molten feeder, with the result being little or no waste visible in many of their spaces. One of our supporting organisations, Shoe company Dona Bitis in Bien Hoa, sell material waste to local schools each Saturday at very low cost.
However, still, some if not all need new ideas of what to do with the excess clean waste – which is where Manufacturing Creativity project plays a key role. This need for waste minimisation is one of our key drivers for setting up a series of cross country collaborations between artists and designers and manufacturing communities to use clean waste for potential creative and innovative outcomes. The results will be exhibited to show the broader community what is possible, offering new approaches for reducing clean waste.
Coca Cola, re-packaging the packaging
Coca Cola is known for its focus on sustainability, and we were so pleased to hear that much of the waste they produce in the factory is returned to the company suppliers for re use.
This month sees the launch of the Art of Recycling Award in Vietnam, an award for artists and community to focus on developing creative uses for used plastic.