Bilcare Research exceeds environmental targets for fourth successive year in Germany
The pharmaceutical packaging company has reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions
Bilcare Research, a global manufacturer of rigid films and foils used for pharmaceutical blister packaging, has achieved its environmental targets for the fourth successive year at its plant in Bötzingen, Germany.
Since 2013 the firm has been committed to having its environmental activities reviewed and rated by external consultants following the European Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), European Regulation 1121/2009 EC.
EMAS is the most demanding of sustainable environmental management systems worldwide.
The annual EMAS Environmental Declaration reports on the self-imposed environmental targets and their implementation. These reports are publicly accessible and validated by government-supervised, independent environmental consultants.
Bilcare's production and refining process of mono and barrier films is very energy-intensive and therefore the company's main focus has been on improvement of the energy balance.
This success has an immediate impact on the carbon footprint of our and our customers’ products
The firm said the energy savings and efficiency improvements implemented since 2012 in Bötzingen are considerable. Energy consumption per ton of pharma blister film at the plant decreased by 21% and carbon dioxide emissions by 33%.
'This success has an immediate impact on the carbon footprint of our and our customers’ products,' said Andreas Pfefferle, Business Head Pharma Packaging Innovations at Bilcare Research. 'Furthermore we have succeeded in such a way to absorb the rising energy prices.'
Several projects implemented in the last few years also contributed to positive effects for the environment.
In 2012, solar collectors, which feed the energy equal on average to 61 two-person households into the local power supply system, were installed on the roof of the administrative building in Bötzingen.
Going forward, the company said it will continuously invest in new, environmental friendly technologies. An example of this focus is the newest company vehicles ordered with a hybrid gear.