The effects of waste management on profitability in a flexible packaging company
Date
2017
Authors
Myeza, Zakhele
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Abstract
Waste results in material loss and cascades to production processes, affecting a company’s
profitability. This research sought to answer to what extent the implementation of a solid
waste management protocol in a flexible packaging company (FPC) improves profitability.
The research focused on reducing waste from the gravure printing process, which was
analysed using a Lean Six Sigma tool, DMAIC, that has been shown to increase productivity,
reduce cost, reduce defects and standardise operations. Processes were implemented to ensure
that quality substrate was input at the correct levels and transformed efficiently into sellable
product. Additionally, new protocols were employed to control and manage waste, further
increasing the FPC’s savings.
These modifications reduced waiting down time by 78%, rework by 53%, and job-specific
waste by 6%, which translated into a 17% improvement in profit on average. Thus, the
research effectively demonstrates that a waste management protocol increases the
profitability of a FPC.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University
of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017
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Citation
Myeza, Zakhele (2017) The effects of a waste management on profitability in a flexible packaging company, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23624