Brown Brothers Flow Tech has a strong commitment to sustainability and a clear goal to minimise waste. However, with limited resources to explore solutions for its rubber waste, the company turned to the Sustainable Business Network’s online Challenge Hub for help.
All it had to do was provide a summary so it could be listed on the free platform and shared around the country.
“We have a challenge with used rubber gaskets. These gaskets are removed from heat exchanger plates during annual winter maintenance at two customer sites. We collect 4000 – 6000 each year and they go to landfill. Can you help us find a solution for repurposing or recycling them?”
Gaskets to cushioning
The challenge was seen by the team at Revyre, a company that repurposes end-of-life rubber tyres. While Revyre couldn’t provide a direct solution it connected Brown Brothers Flow Tech with another rubber recycling company, Treadlite NZ which is based in Cambridge. It was a perfect fit. Treadlite NZ was able to recycle the used rubber gaskets into a material for equestrian arenas, playground matting, artificial sports fields, mats and gym flooring.
Following a first shipment of 700 kilograms, the partnership expects to divert several tonnes of used rubber from landfill every year and keep it in use as a valuable resource.
Brown Brothers Flow Tech Sustainability Co-ordinator Laura Ford says the Challenge Hub made it easy to find the sustainability solution it needed.
"The Challenge Hub responded quickly with great contacts. We soon found a solution to one of our long-standing waste problems. Excellent result!”
The project highlights the importance of networking and cooperation. Both businesses hope it will inspire others to tackle their waste challenges through collaboration and innovation.
Need help finding a sustainability solution? Contact [email protected] to submit your challenge.