Green support scheme for Welsh manufacturers
1 min read
A new support scheme has been launched to help small Welsh manufacturing firms to save money and help the environment by increasing the amount of recycled content in their products, processes and packaging.
WRAP Cymru (Waste & Resources Action Programme in Wales) has launched REMake, a European-funded project giving up to 30 small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Wales the opportunity to apply for expert technical advice and support up to the value of £17,000.
Funded in part by the European Commission through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework, the REMake project is one element of a wide-ranging plan being delivered by WRAP Cymru to support Welsh manufacturing SMEs. Despite outperforming the rest of the UK, showing strong results and creating new jobs, the Welsh manufacturing sector still faces several barriers to increasing its resource efficiency. WRAP's own research shows that only 25 per cent of manufacturers in the plastic sector currently use recycled content in their processes.
Through REMake, businesses are able to apply for two distinct levels of expert support. Those who are successful in applying for Voucher One will be entitled to up to six days of advice and guidance for identifying opportunities to reduce reliance on virgin materials and will receive a detailed plan explaining how to implement the recommendations, while Voucher Two offers up to 15 days technical assistance to help businesses action the implementation plan.
As Beth Winkley, Head of WRAP Cymru explains, the REMake project could have a significant impact on the Welsh manufacturing industry.
"The benefits of this project are wide-ranging. Not only will it help to reduce the amount of waste that manufacturers in Wales send to landfill and encourage them to reduce their reliance on virgin materials, but it will also help to stimulate new markets for recyclate, increase innovation in products and packaging and importantly, lead to increased profitability for the SMEs.
"We are committed to helping manufacturers who want to increase their use of recycled content in their process and improve their resource efficiency. This latest project is just one element of the support we are able to offer but we are confident that it will be well received by SMEs across Wales."
Businesses need to apply by the beginning of March 2012. If you would like to access support from WRAP Cymru, contact the office on 029 20448 090 or visit www.wrapcymru.org.uk for more information.
