Case Study # 65 1. Headline: Internal recycling built into a production process enables reuse of plastics at an automobile component factory. 2. Background: See below. 3. Cleaner Production Application: product design, internal recycling 4. Description of Cleaner Production Application: This case study exemplifies the design and application of a plastics manufacturing process. The internally reclaimed product produced is called "REFAX." The products are used by the automobile industry. In addition to being recyclable polyolefins, the original raw material, are more environmentally friendly than others. Process and Waste Information: The project was aimed at the designing a manufacturing process, which uses a single polyfin with low environmental impact, which yields a series of complex products. Together with the development of traditional products, the company has expanded to manufacture specific products like synthetic leather, foamed polyolefins, etc. To support the recycling of products, a specific treatment, decontamination and compounding plant was build. A mobile crushing unit with an operative volume of 60 m3 (16t) and a processing capacity of 1,000 k/h was also associated with the plant. Scale of operation: A prototype plant with an operating volume of 60 m3 (16 t) and a processing capacity of 1000 of k/h is at present in operation. 5. Economics: No information provided. 6. Advantages: There are long term environmental benefits due to the initial design: -The amount of recyclable plastics used will increase significantly in the near future with consequent savings in raw materials, and produced solid waste. -The simplified process will reduce energy consumption. 7. Constraints: No information provided. 8. Contacts Himont Italia Srl Via Rosselini, 19 I 20124 Milano Italy TEL:39 2 69968070 FAX: 39 2 69964548 Mr M. Loprieno Foro Bonaparte, 31 I - 20121 Milano Italy TEL: 39 2 6270 5512 FAX: 39-2 6270 5045 Mr G Bardone ENEA CRE Casaccia Dip Ambiente Via Anguillarese 301 00060 - S Maria di Galeria ROME Italy TEL: 396 3048 6662 fax: 396 3048 3220 9. Keywords: Italy, automobile, automobile parts, petrochemical, product design, recycling, REFAX, olefin, plastics 10. Reviewer's comments: This case study was submitted to UNEP IE in 1994 by Italy's ENEA. It was reviewed and edited by UNEP IE in July 1995. It has not undergone a formal technical review.