Belwest will create a production waste processing unit
In 2017, the company's management plans to launch a specialized unit for waste processing, with the aim of making "Belwest" a completely waste-free enterprise in the near future.
According to Nikolay Kovalkov, Deputy General Director for Reorganization and Development of Production Processes and New Technologies, the new unit will be established on the basis of the existing experimental site where waste processing technologies are being tested. The manufacturer is tackling this task in tandem with the Vitebsk State Technological University, which has extensive research experience in this field, and with the technical support of OOO "Obuvnoye remeslo" (a resident of the VSTU science and technology park).
Innovative technologies for obtaining material from polyurethane and leather waste using a thermomechanical method are currently being tested. Experimental samples of heel inserts, as well as heels and soles, have been produced from such raw materials.
– We conducted trial wear tests of these soles and confirmed that the products have excellent physical and mechanical characteristics, – said Nikolay Kovalkov. Subsequently, their mass production needs to be mastered. The most science-intensive process is the development of formulations for obtaining material from waste. Processing different polyurethane systems requires an individual approach, including in terms of temperature and time regimes, filler composition, and several other aspects, he explained. Researchers are currently refining the technological process to obtain the initial material with improved physical characteristics, which will ultimately significantly enhance the export potential of the finished products.
The project is in its final stage, and in 2017, it is planned to complete
a large volume of organizational work related to the development of technical specifications for raw materials, products, and other issues necessary for the commissioning and full operation of the unit. It is planned to create up to 10 new jobs.
At the first stage, the company intends to process only its own waste, and in the future, it plans to accept such materials from third-party organizations. Part of the equipment has already been purchased – these are crushers, extruders, dies, which required significant investment.
However, the enterprise expects that such costs will pay off handsomely, otherwise they would not have engaged in the fight against waste. According to the results of 2015, 218 tons of waste were generated at "Belvest". Now they will not be sent to the landfill, but will be used for a good cause.
Sergey Antonov, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos from the archive of "Vitebskiye Vesti".