UWP works with state to reduce energy consumption in plastics industry
PLATTEVILLE - With increased demands for energy putting stress on current infrastructure, the state of Wisconsin implemented a program called "Focus On Energy" to encourage Wisconsin businesses and individuals to be more energy efficient. Majid Tabrizi, director of the Center for Plastics Processing Technology in the department of industrial studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is working to reduce the energy consumption of Wisconsin's plastic industry as a liaison for the industry.
"The energy shortage has become one of the most social and political concerns today," said Tabrizi.
Working with other experts, Tabrizi helped put together a guidebook of best energy practices for the plastics industry and is helping them implement those practices. In conjunction, the state of Wisconsin budgeted $13 million to help industries implement more energy efficient practices. According to focusonenergy.com, most practices will pay for themselves in energy savings in one and a half to four years.
"We are offering a number of practices. For example, if a business switches from hydraulic injection molders to electrical presses when doing injection molding, they could reduce their energy consumption by 40 percent. This reduction of energy need requires minimal investment and has no cost to the environment," said Tabrizi.
It took the team two years to complete the project. They looked at current practices and compared them with data to come up with the best energy saving practices. Most of those practices were verified at UWP's Center for Plastics Processing Technology.
"Many of the best practices resulted from what UWP was already doing. We can assist the industry in implementing them. All the practices have a positive effect on the environment with no hidden bi-product. So far, the plan has been well received, with a number of businesses participating," said Tabrizi.
An additional benefit of being energy efficient, according to Tabrizi, is that the business becomes more productive and thus, more competitive. Tabrizi plans to continue to help industries implement energy efficient practices and use UWP's Center for Plastics Processing Technology as a model for the industry. He wants the industry to ask the center for assistance in implementing the new practices.
"I am very proud to be part of the solution to this contemporary problem," stated Tabrizi.
Anyone wanting more information about the Center for Plastics Processing Technology's involvement in the "Focus On Energy" program may contact Tabrizi at (608) 342-1115 or tabrizi@uwplatt.edu.
Contact: Majid Tabrizi, director, Center for Plastics Processing Technology, (608) 342-1115, tabrizi@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu
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