Case Study:
eAFK REDUCes ENERGY SAVINGS AND CARBON EMISSIONS
Launched in 2019 to create new standards in texturing, the eAFK Evo generation of machines delivers superior speeds, greater productivity and consistently high product quality, along with lower energy consumption and simpler operation vis-à-vis comparable market solutions. The cost-effective, compact eAFK Evo stands at just 4.7 meters but is equipped with a three- or four-deck winding system. Key features also include its EvoCooler controllable cooling unit, which enables even yarn dyeing and, in combination with the HTI heater and connected peripherals, delivers up to 25% energy savings.
Considering new eAFK Evo machines installed since 2020, a total of 3.8 million kWh of energy has been saved over the past two years, which is the equivalent of 1 840 tonnes of CO21. If all autodoff texturing machines in the market had been substituted by the eAFK Evo, more than 754 million kWh of energy could have been saved in the past ten years, or a reduction of 173 960 tonnes of CO21 emissions.
1 Calculated based on European energy mix.
Environmentalism and efficiency, hand in hand
An Oerlikon Metco warehouse in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, upgraded their lighting in 2021 that simultaneously addressed productivity and sustainability targets.
The original fluorescent lighting was no longer fit for purpose. Fittings were burning out, the low-hanging lighting presented a potential workplace hazard and fluorescent tube disposal is incompatible with our evolving standards of waste disposal. Moreover, the tubes provided inadequate light and were not energy efficient.
Thus, we launched a project in January to replace these outmoded fixtures with LED lighting. Projections revealed the potential to realize significant cost savings: the budget for maintenance and fixture replacement was expected to fall from CAD 906.09 a month to zero, and monthly electricity costs were expected to fall from CAD 3 849.33 to CAD 1 316.41.
Based on these projections, the project would pay for itself in 1.6 years. In a decade, projected savings would be a total of CAD 412 680 – for an initiative that improved workplace safety, efficiency and productivity. At the same time, the site would be reducing around 440 728 pounds of CO2 emissions per year.
COST AND ENERGY SAVINGS BY SWITCHING TO RENEWABLES
The Oerlikon Balzers coating site in Thailand sought to realize cost savings by transitioning to solar power for its parking lot and waste storage area, which for safety reasons requires lighting overnight. In total, there are 39 lamps in use in the waste storage and parking areas along with the fence in front of the facility. The initiative was launched in June 2021. Prior to the project start, lighting these areas overnight consumed 3 032.64 kWh/year. Following installation of the solar panels, that number was reduced to zero. The result: CHF ~300 savings in electricity costs and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 1 501 kg annually.
