Waste to Resource Process Chain Strategies for Global Manufacturers

In order for suppliers to stay competitive in the global market, innovative and resource efficient process chains need to be a part of their manufacturing strategies. In this study the effect of different waste to resource process chain strategies were evaluated. The objective was to transform the material waste from a cutting process into a resource. The metal chips were collected and the effect of lubrication and briquette forming strategies on value were investigated. The effects on cost and quality were evaluated and the influence on factory planning assessed. The value of the briquette increased with a reduction in lubricant during the cutting process and by compacting the metal chips.