Only waste? - Model Holding AG

WASTE WORLDS
4
Environmental protection
Environmental protection is a topic of
discussion everywhere. However, it is
not managed in the same way in all
countries. The Model Group operates in
various European countries and among
even these there are differences. The
current issue of Model Box highlights
various perspectives. A short description
of the situation in the Philippines
will be found on Page 3. Rules and regulations
are somewhat stricter in
Switzerland. Particular attention is given
to the refuse incineration plant in
the Canton of Thurgau, as this is where
the headquarters of the Model Group
are located. The situation in Poland,
where the problems are different again,
offers another comparison.
Thurgau waste incineration plant KVA
Thurgau – the organization
Environmental protection is a key element in
the corporate culture of the KVA Thurgau Association.
KVA Thurgau operates a business that
is compliant with environmental legislation and
regards itself as a competent, self-critical service
provider in the field of environmental protection.
KVA Thurgau has adopted selective
measures to promote environmental aware-
ness and reduce waste both within its catchment
area and beyond. It employs a safe and
environmentally compatible technology to dispose
of residual materials. KVA Thurgau practises
open dialogue to reinforce the trust of its
member communes, the population, its employees
and its partners.
KVA Thurgau uses a quality and environmental
management system to ensure that its operations
are transparent at all times.
The KVA Thurgau Association actively provides
information and consulting to promote the
avoidance, reduction and recycling of waste on
the part of residential developments, commerce
and industry. Unavoidable waste is collected
and sorted professionally and recycled
using an environmentally compatible technology
and thermally disposed of and/or deposited
in landfills. KVA Thurgau gives support
to the member communes in all questions related
to waste and coordinates the different activities
among the communes and beyond the
canton’s borders.
Instrumental in achieving clean waste management,
fifty employees work at the waste incinerator
plant in Weinfelden, the RAZ Hefenhofen
regional collection center and the landfills
in Pfyn and Kehlhof.
The Thurgau waste incineration plant entered
into operation in 1997. In the good ten years
since then it has provided a clean, thermal
means of disposing of well over a million
tonnes of waste.
KVA Thurgau values Thurpapier’s
competence in cardboard disposal
For a number of years the KVA Thurgau Association
has collaborated with Thurpapier, a Model
Group company, which recycles a large part of
the recovered paper and cardboard waste.
Dieter Nägeli, divisional head of KVA Thurgau is
very satisfied: «Our cooperation functions perfectly.
We are involved primarily in negotiating
contracts and prices; operational matters are
decided directly between the collecting partners
and recyclers.»
Outsourcing of recoverable paper
collection
In particular, local societies and schools top up
their club or classroom funds by collecting
waste paper and cardboard. Collection is coordinated
directly with Texta AG, St. Gallen and
deliveries are taken to Thurpapier. The residents
of Thurgau collect some 3,600 tonnes of
cardboard a year, equal to 19 kg per inhabitant.
This requires well thought-out logistics. Thanks
to years of cooperation, everything functions
smoothly.
KVA Thurgau also supplies Thurpapier fully with
process steam in order to reduce the combustion
of oil and gas. This results in an excellent
CO2 balance.
Collecting alone is not enough
As Dieter Nägeli points out: «Previously, everything
was waste; today it is clear that besides
waste there are also recyclable materials and
raw materials. As raw materials are used up,
the importance of recycling is growing». As a
producer of recycling articles, Thurpapier plays
a big part in ensuring that the products obtained
from waste are recycled for consumption.
However, consumers also have to shoulder
responsibility: «The cycle only functions if
end users consciously buy and use as many recycled
products as possible.» In other words,
every one of us is called upon to make a personal
contribution to environmental protection.