Shabondama Soap's Commitment to Sustainability Through Energy-efficient Compressors

Introduction

Shabondama Soap Co., established in 1910 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, is deeply committed to environmentally friendly practices. The company’s guiding philosophy, "Protecting a healthy body and clean water," reflects its dedication to producing additive-free soaps. Recently, they have taken a significant step towards sustainability by introducing two energy-efficient compressors, the GA VSD+ series from Atlas Copco, enhancing their production capabilities while drastically reducing energy consumption.

Implementing Energy-Efficient Technology

With the installation of the GA22VSD+ inverter compressors, Shabondama Soap Co. has not only adopted a new technology but has also underscored its mission for sustainability. Prior to the installation, they carried out free energy assessments provided by Atlas Copco, demonstrating clear potential savings in power consumption. The results exceeded expectations, proving the investment worthy and aligning with their strategic goals of carbon footprint reduction.

The benefits of these compressors are tangible. After just one month of operation, the company reported an impressive decrease in both peak and average electrical consumption. During a follow-up energy audit, a definitive power reduction of about 3.9% was confirmed, which significantly contributed to their efforts in lowering CO₂ emissions.

Shabondama’s Commitment to Sustainability

Shabondama Soap Co.'s approach to sustainability involves a comprehensive plan reaching towards 2030. Regular updates from the company president keep all employees informed and engaged in achieving sustainability objectives. This initiative incorporates various practices, from transitioning to renewable energy sources to incorporating LED lighting throughout the facilities.

Masaru Furuichi, head of production, emphasizes the importance of cross-department collaboration to foster a culture of sustainable practices. The newly established energy-saving project team focuses on enhancing energy efficiency across all operations, addressing issues related to aging compressors and optimizing current technology.

Choosing Atlas Copco

At first, Furuichi was uncertain about the reliability of Atlas Copco. However, as he conducted in-depth research, he found that the brand is almost synonymous with high-quality compressors globally, making his decision to trust them easier. He appreciated the EU-level efficiency of their compressors, which utilize ultra-premium efficiency IE5 motors, setting a standard that surpasses common industry practices.

The decision to switch to Atlas Copco was influenced by several factors, including a free energy diagnosis that demonstrated savings potential, efficiency performance, and great cost-effectiveness (where 70-85% of total costs arise from running costs). The replacement led to significant long-term savings.

Realizing Results

The implementation of the GA22VSD+ has consistently achieved energy efficiency goals while allowing an increase in production volume. As noted by Jun Kajiwara, an assistant manager in the manufacturing section, the factory not only maintained operations but also experienced a 4.5% reduction in overall energy consumption despite increased output.

The new compressors have integrated seamlessly with the existing infrastructure, proving their reliability and superiority in energy savings compared to previous systems. Shabondama's commitment to product quality remains intertwined with its environmental goals, ensuring that every soap produced reflects these principles.

Future Outlook

Beyond immediate gains in energy efficiency, Shabondama Soap Co. is exploring new avenues for growth. They are actively engaged in developing environmentally friendly soap-based fire extinguishing agents, a project launched in collaboration with Kitakyushu’s initiatives for sustainable urban development. By innovating in this space, they aim to contribute meaningfully to global challenges such as increasing forest fires, ensuring that their products continue to serve both customers and the environment.

Conclusively, Shabondama Soap Co. balances tradition with modern technology, continually sharing the virtues of additive-free soaps while investing in sustainable practices for the future. This dual focus on quality and ecological responsibility positions them as a leader in the industry and a model for others following a similar path.

For more information about Atlas Copco’s energy-efficient solutions, visit their official website or contact their compressor division directly.