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 165,000 tons of solid waste
diversion from landfill
- More than 102,000 Tons of CO2
equivalent
emissions reduced
- Nearly $16 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: WTPN Team members
work through difficult synergies to identify innovative applications
and opportunities for waste streams.
- 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, WTPN focuses on
continually available, consistent by-products that can be tested to
meet manufacturing specifications. WTPN focuses on fulfilling
long-term supply chain needs, not one-time disposals.
- Documentation: The WTPN 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.
Waste to Profit Network Awards Event
On Thursday, December 10th , 2009, the Chicago Waste to Profit Network (WTPN) hosted an awards banquet at the John G Shedd Aquarium. The event was held to celebrate a record year of results for its member organizations that span Fortune 500 firms, mid-size manufacturers, business service, cultural, community, and economic development organizations.More than 200 people attended the event which included speakers Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Environment, Demetria Giannisis, President & CEO of Chicago Manufacturing Center , Jerri-Ann Garl, Chief of the Materials Management Branch for the Land and Chemicals Division of US EPA Region 5, and the Shedd Aquarium's Director of Water Quality, Allen LaPointe.
You can find the event program here.
Awards were given to public sector leaders committed to new standards for economic value, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Recipients included Naylor Pipe, Baxter International, Engineered Glass Products, Cloverhill Bakery, Lafarge, Midwest Generation and Schulze Burch Biscuit Company. Additionally, the WTPN recognized 19 of its founding members.
A silent auction to benefit the network showcased products and services from member companies. Donors to the Silent Auction included Recycled Granite, Engineered Glass Products, Independent Recycling, Les Allen Photography, Soppraffina, Vortex Carpeting, Goose Island, Nuance Solutions, and Simply Scents.
Generous support for the event was provided by Edward J. Noha, Chairman Emeritus of the CNA Financial Corporation, ArcelorMittal, Baxter International, Midwest Generation and the Shedd Aquarium.
The Environmental Leader Cites WTPN Award as Part of Baxter's Success in its Global Supplier Sustainability Program
Over the past quarter, Baxter International Inc. has implemented programs that drive responsible business practices, while garnering a few accolades along the way.
Two of Baxter's 2015 supply-chain goals are to incorporate green principles into its purchasing program with its top 100 suppliers, and reduce the carbon footprint of Baxter's car fleet by 20 percent from a 2007 baseline. More...
For More Information
Chicago Manufacturing Center
& Waste to Profit Network
Libby Allen Augustine
Program Director
312.542.0496
lallen@cmcusa.org