Melbourne paper companies save water – but it’s not cheap

Amcor Fibre Packaging, Huhtamaki Moulded Fibre and Visy Paper each worked collaboratively with Yarra Valley Water to develop a plan to limit the water usage required for their work. “Water is involved in many elements of paper product creation,” said Tony Kelly, managing director of Yarra Valley Water. “The challenge in developing these water management plans was to develop systems that significantly reduces long-term water use while maintaining the high quality and quantity of output.”

Though the initiative undertaken by each company was described as being “relatively simple” it was also an expensive process. However, Yarra Valley Water said that their business customers could now assess their operations and water usage to develop more efficient water use.

Since undertaking this project, there has been a run-on effect for each of the three companies. Huhtamaki, which produces products like fruit trays, is about to install a new cooling tower for vacuum pumps. Visy Paper has incorporated rainwater into its mill operations and Amcor has installed a dissolved air floatation system.

Tony Kelly said that he encouraged other Yarra Valley Water business customers to participate in cutting water use and bills. “Both industry and the community have responded extremely well to the call to save water,” he said. “Responsibility for water awareness is being shared equitably. Since 2000, industry in Melbourne has reduced its water use by 25 billion litres or 24 per cent on a litre per head per day basis.

‘We work with our business customers on water management plans; through the development of these plans, Yarra Valley Water’s business customers have been able to assess their operations and develop actions to use water more efficiently.