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ecological footprint:
Beware of preJudice!
For a recent project involving the design of food and
beverage containment in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer
Goods) sector, Cambridge Consultants (an Altran
subsidiary) was asked to replace a robust, re-usable
product container with a single-use, disposable version.
This was thought necessary to accelerate the penetration of
the product into new markets, where infrastructure for the
collection, cleaning and re-filling of the containers was not
yet available.
By considering the lifecycle of the existing product,
including the non-reusable elements such as the label
and closure, the additional transportation by road
and the requirement for steam cleaning of the
container, Cambridge Consultants were able to
propose a minimalist packaging solution that could
be used once and recycled with a lower overall
environmental impact than the original design. This
proved a surprise to the client, whose original
development of the re-usable system had been
based on the premise that re-using was inevitably
preferable.
Contact :
nathan.wrench@CambridgeConsultants.com
AGriCuLture
volcanoes:
fertiliser for growers!
The Australian company Alroc sells volcanic powder (basalt flour)
and other mineral-based “fertilisers”. Although such products
have been around for awhile (for example, lime and gypsum are
already commonly used), mixing different rocks, especially those
of volcanic origin, is a new trend. Australia aside, these products
are increasingly available in Europe (especially in the Netherlands)
and North America. Ground volcanic rock is brimming with riches:
it has high concentrations of silicon, calcium, magnesium and
oligo-elements. Silicon improves plants’ natural resistance against
parasites, and basalt powder encourages proper aeration of clay
soil. No question that such qualities will “fertilise” the basalt flour
market!
© Clément Perrotte
altran ControL
monitoring energy
For an internationally renowned German renewable energy provider,
Olaf Mieling and four other consultants from Askon, a German
subsidiary of the Group, developed a new version of the control
station (hardware and software) that allows for a comprehensive
control of and permanent technical support for alternative energy
sources (solar, wind, photovoltaic, etc.) provided to clients. Altran
experts contributed their know-how in project management,
information systems and embedded systems, and their
accomplishment was overwhelmingly acclaimed when presented at
HusumWind, the world’s leading wind industry fair.
german energy
providers taKe a dip into
renewaBle energy
German energy providers
have just announced their
investments in renewable
energy. RWE announced the
creation of RWE Innogy, a
new company that began
operations on February 1,
2008 and intends to invest
at least one billion euros
per year going forward.
RWE would like renewable
energy, notably wind
energy, to make up 20% of
its total energy production
capacity beginning in
2020. Its competitor, E.ON,
has vowed to double its
investment in “green”
energy by 2010, for a total of
6 billion euros.
Better supply for
Better production
08 Altitude n°13 / april 2008 Altitude n°13 / april 2008 09
© Conergy
DR
altran suppLy CHAin
The solar power industry has grown
rapidly in Germany, with some players
doubling or tripling their production
capacity in a matter of months.
In August 2007, Askon was asked to
optimise the circulation of equipment on
the supply chain of a leader in the solar
energy sector. Government reduction of
aid incentives for equipment has
increased pressure on the market.
Within two months, Altran consultants
identified ways to potentially save
3.6 million euros. The suggestions
proposed by Askon to make these
savings included optimised equipment
sourcing, a switch to Kanban,
and using an external logistics partner.
Furthermore, plans are being made to
divide up operational goals by
department and by individual employee
in order to boost incentives to achieve
goals.