A new production unit in the plastic factory Promens in Dalvík, Northeast Iceland, is the first of its kind in the world to be powered by electricity produced by hydropower. The factory’s production capacity has increased by 60 percent with the new unit.
Dalvík. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
Promens in Dalvík is best known for its Sæplast plastic tubs sold to food producers in more than 60 countries, ruv.is reports.
The factory has now been enlarged by 840 square meters and at the same time its energy usage has changed: the plastic tubs are now molded at 400°C (752°F) in a new oven powered by electricity.
“The oven is the first which uses electricity to reach the high temperature necessary for the production,” explained CEO of Promens Jakob Sigurðsson. “It replaces ovens that have used oil or gas under different circumstances.”
Jakob said the goal is for the equipment in the entire factory to run on electricity within a few years’ time. Promens operates 65 factories around the world and Jakob stated the one in Dalvík plays a key part in the production of larger containers.
ESA
