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Case Study
Eviosys – which combines Evolution and Sustainability in its name – is a leading metal packaging manufacturer in EMEA, with more than 6,300 employees in 44 factories across 17 countries, serving more than 1,000 customers. Its ambition is to protect products while preserving the planet and its people.
In 2021, Eviosys launched an ambitious social and environmental programme, Preserve Together. Its objectives included reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 20% by 2027, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, reaching zero waste to landfill by 2025 and reducing VOC emissions by 7% by 2027.
The Eviosys site in Nantes manufactures metal lids from sheets on which a food-grade varnish is applied.
During maintenance of the varnishing machines, mechanical parts need to be cleaned to remove dried varnish and other residues. The previous process relied on solvent-based cleaning and manual methods.
Eviosys wanted to reduce solvent use and employee exposure while maintaining the cleaning performance required by its production and maintenance processes.
The cleaning process then consisted of placing the parts in solvent soaking tanks to soften the varnish. Afterwards, the teams cleaned the parts to remove the remaining varnish.
The company also needed a practical solution that could be integrated into its existing workshop, with a cleaning process suitable for parts of different sizes and levels of contamination.
Although an air extraction system was already in place for the safety of employees, Eviosys’ HSE teams were willing to go further, combining health, safety and VOC reduction.
The ultrasonic allowed us to improve the working conditions of our employees and eliminate solvent emissions.
Benjamin Rondeau, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Eviosys
The Eviosys HSE team contacted Safetykleen, already a service provider for ultrasonic cleaning of small mechanical parts, to find a new cleaning solution that would meet all their challenges.
The solution combined an ultrasonic cleaning machine with a tailored water-based cleaning product. The ultrasonic action removes stubborn varnish residues from complex components, while the closed process reduces operator exposure to the cleaning solution.
The machine also incorporates features designed to maintain consistent cleaning performance, including filtration and automatic management of the bath surface.
The solution was adapted to the site’s handling requirements, including the ability to load parts using a hoist.
Safetykleen also trained employees in the use of the ultrasonic cleaner. Safety Data Sheets are displayed near the machine, and ventilation was installed to support operator comfort.
Ultrasonic technology completely removes the dried varnish faster and more accurately than the previous cleaning process, by up to 1 μ thanks to ultrasonic generators and transducers, even in the most difficult to reach areas of mechanical parts.
Process automation allows teams to focus on other key tasks during the cleaning cycle, which is easily programmed through the machine interface.
A tailor-made detergent solution with no VOCs or CMRs, suitable for ultrasonic baths.
The new cleaning process has delivered improvements in solvent use, operator safety, cleaning consistency and productivity.
The move to an ultrasonic bath using a water-based solution has eliminated the use of 2.5 tonnes of solvents per year in this process.
The new process reduces employees’ exposure to solvent-based cleaning. The water-based product is non-flammable, classified as non-hazardous and free from VOCs and CMR substances.
Replacing solvents with a water-based cleaning solution eliminates solvent emissions from this process. Safetykleen also collects and manages the waste generated through its service, including treatment at ICPE-classified centres.
Automation has removed manual cleaning from the process, allowing employees to focus on other tasks. Safetykleen’s regular service visits include draining the machine, replenishing cleaning chemistry and preventive maintenance, helping to maintain consistent performance.
Following the success of the cleaning solution, the Eviosys Group is considering deploying the approach at other sites facing similar cleaning challenges.
The new ultrasonic process using a water-based solution has eliminated 2.5 tonnes of solvent use each year and reduced exposure to chemical risks. The cleaning product is non-flammable, classified as non-hazardous and free from VOCs and CMR substances.
Replacing solvents with a water-based cleaning solution has removed solvent emissions from the process. As part of the comprehensive service, Safetykleen manages the waste generated, including compliant collection and treatment at its ICPE-classified centres.
Automation has eliminated manual cleaning and freed up time for the Eviosys team. Safetykleen’s monthly service visits include draining the machine, replenishing cleaning chemistry and carrying out preventive maintenance to support consistent results.
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