In-house nitrogen production: The environmental and economic benefits for sustainability
In the packaging industry, decision-makers are constantly seeking ways to reduce operational costs while meeting sustainability goals. One opportunity to address both is through in-house nitrogen generation, a practice that is gaining traction among packaging companies.
Oxywise, a leading provider in this field, has emerged as a go-to choice for companies looking to implement in-house nitrogen generation. By producing nitrogen on-site, companies can significantly cut costs and shrink their carbon footprint.
Nitrogen generators, such as those offered by BERG GaseTech, optimize energy use and eliminate wasteful practices, aiding in regulatory compliance and reporting. These energy-efficient PSA-based nitrogen generators are specifically designed for use in the packaging industry and provide a continuous, high-purity nitrogen supply.
On-site generation can slash nitrogen supply expenses by half or more, especially when replacing high-purity liquid nitrogen that a process might not even require. Additionally, by right-sizing purity to the application, on-site generators avoid the "energy penalty" of over-purification, further cutting electricity use and emissions.
Packaging quality and productivity are improved with on-site nitrogen, ensuring an uninterrupted supply for critical packaging processes. By demonstrating reduced fuel usage for logistics and improved on-site energy efficiency, a packaging firm can demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency schemes and potentially earn sustainability certifications or incentives.
Eliminating trucking emissions is a direct environmental benefit of on-site nitrogen generation. On-site nitrogen can be 25-40% less expensive than bulk liquid supply once delivery and diesel fuel costs are factored out. On-site generation also eliminates the need for regular nitrogen deliveries, reducing associated transport emissions and cutting handling costs.
Reducing truck traffic for gas deliveries improves site safety and lowers risk, aligning with the industry's broader commitment to safe and sustainable operations. In-house nitrogen generation provides self-sufficiency, enabling leaner supply chains and just-in-time operations.
If a significant portion of users moved to on-site generation, millions of tons of CO2 could be avoided annually. Companies across industries are setting ambitious targets to cut their carbon footprints by improving energy efficiency and adopting cleaner technologies, and on-site gas generation is exactly the kind of innovation that helps achieve those targets in production environments.
In conclusion, in-house nitrogen generation is not just a cost-saving measure but a powerful move for sustainability. By producing nitrogen on-site, companies can directly address scope 2 emissions (by enabling use of cleaner electricity for nitrogen production) and scope 3 emissions (by removing the need for supplier deliveries). It's a win-win situation for both the environment and the bottom line.
