MATERIAL HANDLING
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE OF INVENTORY WASTE THROUGH EQUIPMENT RENTAL
Inventory waste remains a pressing concern in the manufacturing industry, particularly within pharmaceutical production, where precision and efficiency are paramount. Here, Stephen Harding, managing director of Gough Engineering, specialists in sieving and screening, explores the advantages of opting for rental solutions for sieving equipment instead of immediate purchases. He provides insights into how this approach can assist manufacturers in developing more sustainable production lines while reducing waste.
W
aste poses a considerable challenge in the
pharmaceutical industry. Overproduction is one issue, according to research by nVentic:
“Many manufacturers make [according] to forecast and in large batches, with long lead times and little spare capacity reserved. This makes it extremely difficult to respond quickly to sudden changes in demand.” nVentic’s survey of 28 companies found that manufacturers “systematically overproduce” with around four per cent of inventory being written off each year. Some companies did not provide any disclosure, while others reached as high as 15 percent. On the other hand, the same report found that manufacturers still run short of specific
medicines from time to time. The estimated cost of medicines written off at cost across the 28 benchmarked companies amounted to approximately $12.5 billion, a significant waste of capacity and resources. Elsewhere, the University of Bath estimates that, for every kilogram of drug manufactured in the pharmaceutical industry, a staggering 100 kilograms (kg) of waste is produced. This presents a pressing challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers who must seek innovative ways to minimise this significant waste output.
MINIMISING WASTE
The sieving process holds critical importance in the production of pharmaceutical powders. Consistency in particle size is paramount for quality control, directly impacting drug potency and patient safety by preventing incorrect dosing amounts.
vital role in minimising waste, alongside features such as high-quality stainless steel construction, precise welding and polished surfaces. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance and meticulous machine design are other important factors, all contributing to easy cleaning and reliable sieving or separation capabilities. In the ongoing quest to reduce pharmaceutical waste, manufacturers are exploring various strategies. One approach gaining traction is the rental of material handling equipment, instead of outright purchase.
26 NOVEMBER 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS LONG-TERM RETURNS
Investing in new machinery presents numerous challenges. There may be a significant financial burden associated with upfront costs. Additionally, predicting the long-term returns of machinery can be challenging, considering factors such as integration into the production line, reliability, and performance against key performance indicators (KPIs). Quality and flexibility are also crucial considerations, particularly in terms of how well the equipment can adapt to industry changes. Selecting the appropriate machinery requires extensive market research, technical evaluations, and consideration of potential disruptions and training costs for staff upskilling. Rather than purchasing the equipment outright, opting to hire equipment serves as a crucial confidence-building phase for manufacturers. This allows them to directly experience how the equipment integrates into their operations and performs. Let’s explore how renting equipment empowers manufacturers to test, adapt, and refine their operations while also alleviating the initial investment burden.
SIFTING AND SEPARATING Various industries, spanning from food value in equipment rental services. Renting effective solution that caters to operational needs, whether it is for proof-of-concept trials or routine quality checks. However, equipment rental entails more than just providing a machine; it’s about ensuring optimal
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