2007 Reference document (PDF) - Valeo

Overall, Valeo used higher tonnages of packaging material
than in previous years, despite efforts to cut down.
In the materials mix the trend toward lower plastic consumption
continues, consistent with automakers’, demands and safety
considerations (plastics such as PVC and polypropylene are
dropped because of fire risks).
Valeo promotes the use of reusable packaging (through the use of
non-disposable packs, now widespread at Valeo sites), recyclable
materials (plastics) and recycled materials (plastics, papercardboard).
S everal Valeo sites have taken initiatives to minimize
the environmental impact of their packaging.
At the Skawina site (Valeo Wiper Systems), new cardboard
specifications were introduced in 2007, bringing a 10% weight
reduction.
At the Telma site in Nanhui (Valeo Electrical Systems), a 27% weight
reduction was achieved by introducing cardboard boxes to phase
out wooden crates, from August 2007.
Many sites have their wooden palettes reconditioned by social
integration organizations (typically employing handicapped people).
The repaired palettes are either sold or taken back into service.
Extending palette service life helps to save timber resources.
In 2008, Valeo will introduce short- and medium-term
quantitative targets on reducing packaging consumption
for each Product Family, consistent with its specificities and
practices.
To support the efforts of Product Family teams, a cross-functional
working group will also be set up in 2008 to examine more
environmentally sound packaging solutions. Improvements
will be sought through weight reductions, extended lifespans,
volume/capacity optimization, choice of materials, etc.
Lower water consumption at sites
Water consumption across the Valeo Group as a whole totaled
3.4 million cubic meters in 2007, which works out at 250 liters
per employee per day, twice the average domestic consumption
in Europe.
Management Report
Environmental management and performance
Water consumption
< Contents >
Response rate
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
96.2% 98.7% 98.0% 99.7% 96.9% 99.7%
From 2002 to 2007, water consumption across the Group fell
by 47%, with regular reductions achieved by site initiatives
such as phase-out of open-loop cooling systems. Since 2006,
however, consumption has steadied out, as the scope for
further improvement narrows.
As with energy consumption, the increase in water consumption
per million euros of sales is explained by the exit from the
Wiring Harness business, which had high revenues and very
low water consumption.
Alt hough further water savings will be more and more difficult
to achieve, new and more economical processes are being
introduced.
In 2007, Valeo Lighting Systems headlamp component production
sites in Wuhan (China), São-Paulo (Brazil) and Timisoara (Romania)
started using a new powder-based varnishing technology that uses
neither water nor Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
At Saint-Ouen l’Aumône (Valeo Electrical Systems), a new cooling
tower set up in 2007 brought water consumption down from
6,500 m3 in 2006 to 1,873 m3 in 2007, a saving of over 70%.
The Itatiba site (Valeo Engine Cooling) changed its pipe washer for a
new process that is 97.5% more economical with water.
In 2007, the Breuilpont site (Valeo Service) set up a rainwater
recovery system to feed its automatic sprinkler system.
2007 Reference document - VALEO
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