ABB’ s IEC LV Motors site in Vaasa, Finland The problem of wood waste is prominent in motor manufacturing, which Stefan describes as a“ global issue that demands a smarter approach”.
In 2023, ABB’ s site in Vaasa, Finland took this approach, overhauling its palletisation process for electric plate rolls, switching from disposable to recyclable pallets.
Beyond pallet materials, the factory also optimised vertical transport and storage for plate rolls, using lighter pallets that improve truck capacity and cut transport costs,” Stefan explains.
“ These changes didn’ t just reduce waste, they enhanced efficiency across the entire supply chain.”
The site also sends wood waste to Stena Recycling for it to be shredded into wood chips and repurposed as composing materials. The factory has also set up recycling zones for broken pallets, ensuring they are properly repurposed instead of being disposed of.
ABB’ s comprehensive waste management initiatives across these three sites demonstrate how critical innovative thinking is to the future of factory sustainability.
“ Circularity is not just an ambition but a practical, achievable reality,” says Stefan.“ The key takeaway for the industry is simple: waste should never be seen as an unavoidable byproduct, but as an asset that can and should be handled with care.”
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