As a manufacturer of bespoke furniture and cubicle systems, First Grade Projects has long faced the challenge of managing and disposing of raw material waste. Despite efforts to recycle and reuse wherever possible, a large proportion of the waste materials ultimately ended up in skips and landfill sites. Recognising their commitment to sustainability, First Grade Products recently made a significant investment in new machinery aimed at repurposing as much of their raw material waste as possible, further reducing their impact on landfill waste.
Working closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, they received support from the Shared Prosperity Fund Business Growth Grant and recently installed an industrial wood shredder and a briquette press at their workshop site.
This machinery has transformed their business model, enabling them to recycle over 90% of raw material waste that would previously have been disposed of via skips at the workshop or on-site.
Firstly, waste materials are shredded and then fed into the briquette press, which compacts the waste to produce briquettes that can be used for heating.
This initiative has significantly improved their waste management performance and supported the creation of a new job within the business. First Grade Projects recognises this as an important step toward achieving the objectives outlined in their environmental action plan and reinforcing their commitment to being a Green Small Business.