Lesson 5: AUTOMOTIVE CASE STUDIES: VOLKSWAGEN SLOVAKIA

In this lesson, we will explore Volkswagen Slovakia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and their adoption of Best Available Technologies (BAT) in various stages of the automotive production process.

  1. Environmental Responsibility at Volkswagen Slovakia
  • Volkswagen Slovakia is dedicated to using the Best Available Technologies (BAT) in its production facilities.
  • Their primary focus is on reducing energy, materials, and raw materials consumption while minimizing emissions.
  1. Air Protection
  • Volkswagen Slovakia places a strong emphasis on minimizing emissions by choosing materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and employing effective separation devices.
  • This approach helps reduce the overall impact on air quality.
  1. Wastewater Management
  • Wastewater generated during operations goes through a thorough cleaning process in neutralization stations before being released into waterways.
  • The central wastewater treatment plant further ensures the quality of discharged water.
  1. Waste Management
  • Volkswagen Slovakia prioritizes recovery (recycling) over disposal (landfilling) of waste materials.
  • Waste is consistently separated by type in all operations to promote responsible waste management.
  1. Environmental Measures in Different Production Phases

Pressing Plant:

  • Implementation of servo technologies with energy storage and LED lighting reduces energy consumption.
  • Airflow from pressing line equipment is used for heating in the logistics area.
  • Deployment of KUKA KRC4 robots saves energy.

Body Shop:

  • Energy-efficient resistance spot welding is employed.
  • Ecological processes like gluing with low-content adhesives and solvent-free and laser welding are utilized.
  • Catch basins are integrated into hydraulic-driven machines to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage.
  • Fumes generated during welding are extracted and filtered before release.
  • Metal scraps from bodywork production are sent for recycling.

Paint Shop:

  • Separators and filters are used to limit emissions during production.
  • Wastewater is treated before discharge.
  • Innovative 2010 painting processes reduce hazardous waste generation and vehicle weight.
  • Electrostatic separation technology (E-Scrub) efficiently separates waste paint.
  • Advanced spray technology (EcoBell 3Ci) enhances interior painting efficiency.

Assembly:

  • Adjustment workstations are equipped with exhaust air cleaning.
  • Waste from packaging is reused or valorized as secondary raw material.

Production of Aggregates:

  • Automatic transmission oil filling ensures product quality and extends gearbox lifetime.
  • The DKTL line with a neutralization station is crucial for environmental compliance.

Logistics:

  • Innovative logistics systems like Pick by Point, Pick by Light, and FTS (unattended transport system) streamline material handling and reduce energy usage.

Wastewater Treatment Plant:

  • Volkswagen Slovakia operates its own wastewater treatment plant, continually modernized to enhance water purification.
  • A crayfish breeding station reflects the quality of purified water.

Selected Measures and BAT Technologies:

  • Adhesives Management: Efficient glue usage reduces waste from barrels by up to 70%, saving 576 barrels annually.
  • Driverless Transport Systems: These systems replace forklift trucks, achieving cost and energy savings of up to 60%.
  • Electronic Tools: Replacing pneumatic tools with electronic ones saves up to 30% of energy.
  • Intelligent Lighting: Automated lighting systems reduce energy consumption by switching on only when needed.

Conclusion:

  • Volkswagen Slovakia exemplifies a strong commitment to environmental sustainability in its automotive production processes, employing Best Available Technologies (BAT) to reduce energy, materials, and raw materials consumption.
  • Innovative practices in various production areas, such as energy-efficient technologies, ecological joining techniques, and waste reduction measures, showcase Volkswagen Slovakia’s dedication to minimizing its environmental footprint.
  • Their efforts extend to emissions reduction, with separators, filters, and wastewater treatment systems in place, ensuring responsible disposal and minimal impact on the environment.
  • Volkswagen Slovakia’s focus on innovation and sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also sets a remarkable standard for the automotive industry, offering valuable lessons for creating eco-friendly and efficient production processes.
  • By studying Volkswagen Slovakia’s success in implementing BAT and environmental best practices, we can gain insights into how industries can adopt sustainable methods while maintaining production efficiency and competitiveness.
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