What is the Waste to Profit Network?
The
Waste to Profit Network is a partnership of the Chicago Manufacturing
Center, City of Chicago, State of Illinois, and Region V EPA.
Since 2006, the Chicago Waste to Profit Network has applied its award
winning, network-centric approach to addressing Chicago’s
sustainability needs by identifying by-product synergy and material
reuse opportunities. The network has brought together participants from
more than 200 Chicago area companies, institutions and City of Chicago
departments to identify and implement synergies that not only reduce
waste and emissions, but also deliver economic impact.
Documented results to date include:
- More than 122,000 tons of solid waste
diversion from landfill
- More than 88,000 Tons of CO2
equivalent
emissions reduced
- Over $11 million dollars
in economic impact
to local companies
- More than 37 jobs created or retained
Why do we need a Network?
Traditionally, industry only relates
primarily to its own kind. Best
practices and successes with material management are shared through
industry- specific organizations, but needs and opportunities are not
widely discussed outside that sphere. The Waste to Profit Network
breaks down the barriers to cross-industry communication, as well as
the barriers between government and industry and between small
companies and large, by fostering material-centric dialogue
and working across groups to identify supply chain localization and
waste minimization opportunities.
How is this different from
a waste swap?
- Technical Support: WTP Team members
work through difficult synergies to identify innovative applications
and opportunities for waste streamsBusiness Relationship building:
Network events are designed to foster trust and open communication
between companies. Confidentiality is protected. Partnerships are
inspired.Reliability: Unlike one-time waste swaps, WTP focuses on
continually available, consistent by products that can be tested to
meet manufacturing specifications. WTP focuses on fulfilling
long-term supply chain needs, not one-time disposals.
- Documentation: The WTP tracks the
social, environmental and economic benefits of by-product synergy,
creating a marketable story for companies to share about their
commitment to Chicago and the environment.
How the Network Engages
Chicago Businesses:
- The Waste to Profit Community Network
engages any size business in a free half day workshop about
sustainability and economic growth. To date, Community Network
workshops have assisted over 130 companies throughout Chicago. That
number is expected to grow to over 200 by the end of 2008. Active
members’ data is retained in our database which allows us to
identify future opportunities and opportunities outside of meeting
attendance. Network team members continue to look for opportunities
after workshops are completed. The Waste to Profit Innovation Network
is a fee based network serving companies with large and complex waste
streams a desire to collaborate on large scale projects, and engage in
dialogue about regional needs with industrial and regulatory
stakeholders.
- Innovation Network Members receive
in-depth practitioner support on technical assessments, data analysis,
synergy creation and implementation and success story marketing.
Corporate Partnerships provide a
forum for industry leadership and
community stewardship.
Partners include designated waste management companies, by product
brokers and recyclers.
For More Information
Chicago Manufacturing Center
& Waste to Profit Network
Dr. William Hoffman
Director of Sustainability Services
312.542.0471
whoffman@cmcusa.org
Libby Allen Augustine
Community Resilience Manager
312.542.0496
lallen@cmcusa.org
©
2009 Chicago Waste to Profit Network