Film manufacturer Futamura has announced a £15 million investment in its UK plant in Wigton. The aim of the project is to reduce emissions and significantly increase energy efficiency - supported by a government grant from the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund.
Futamura UK, a global manufacturer of sustainable cellulose packaging, wants to take a decisive step towards climate-friendly production with a major new project at its UK site in Wigton. The £15 million investment is aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions, utilising energy more efficiently and improving the environmental footprint of the products.
Utilise waste heat, save energy
At the heart of the project is an internal initiative called „WSA“. This involves converting production waste gases into a raw material using an oxidation process. The resulting heat is used to generate steam - the main source of energy in the production process. In future, 15 % of the plant's total energy requirements are to be covered in this way, which should significantly reduce the consumption of natural gas and improve the carbon footprint.
State funding ensures implementation
Futamura is receiving up to £4.5 million for the project from the UK's Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF). According to the company, this grant is crucial for the realisation of the project, which will only pay off in the medium to long term. Managing Director Adrian Cave said: „I can't remember a project in my career that has excited me more. This project brings us a big step closer to our vision of more sustainable production.“
Significance for the region and industry
Markus Campbell-Savours, Member of Parliament for Penrith & Solway, praised the project as a significant boost for the Wigton region and the approximately 270 local employees. The project not only strengthens the competitiveness of the site, which is over 90 years old, but is also a role model for other industrial companies switching to energy-efficient processes.
Futamura produces biobased, compostable packaging films under the NatureFlex and Cellophane brands at its Wigton site and is one of the world's leading suppliers in this segment.
Source: Futamura
