they know better than us (how to do it)," says Shannon. Process improvement teams (PITs) are formed among workers, who then seek out better production methods. Each production line operator is responsible for the product from the time it comes on his or her line until it leaves. Technology plays a big role too. "To stay current and on the leading edge, development of new products, new technologies, are keys to continuing viability," says Rice. A stroll through the 5,490 sq. m plant reveals how extruders and other equipment turn the pelletized material into grocery bags I and film wrap. I Products come in different thicknesses, sizes, colors and with or without printing. The company saves money by having almost no production waste and recycling everything it can, which saves on waste disposal costs. Stretch film is either recycled at the plant or sent to be re-pel- letized. Printed bags are sold to companies that re-pelletize them and use them for other products. Pallets, cardboard rolls the film is wrapped onto, glass and plastic ink pails are all recycled. The ink pails and cardboard rolls are returned to their suppliers since no other companies could be found to take them. "You have two choices," says Shannon, "you can either recycle it or it goes in a landfill site." "People are the key to this. They're the ones that have driven the recycling process," says Rice. Shannon notes that by reducing the gauge of some plastic bags but retaining their strength through improved technology, the company saves material and creates less waste needing to be recycled or discarded by the consumer. In4e.//