Waste Minimization Project at LIFOSA
WEC/USAID, Lithuania

KEMWorks' Marten Walters and Gordon Grove were consultants in a one-year waste minimization demonstration project at a phosphate fertilizer plant at LIFOSA (then Kedainiai State Chemical Plant) in Lithuania. The project, conducted through the World Environment Center (WEC) and funded by USAID, demonstrated how pollution prevention pays for itself. By making small investments in waste minimization, plant managers have seen large economic returns ranging from 144% to 2660% ROI and seen emissions to the atmosphere halved in one year.

Training was provided in waste minimization techniques and western management methods were introduced. This technology transfer built up local capabilities and demonstrated the benefits of low-cost waste minimization techniques. Lithuanian plant managers and staff showed great enthusiasm for the project, which is an important step for the plant to become economically viable and successfully privatized.

The WEC team made four visits to the plant which produces sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, single superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate and aluminum fluoride. During these visits, plant operators and management learned waste minimization techniques and waste management methods.

Project Highlights:

• Small projects with IRR's ranging from 144% to 2660% were identified. 
• Atmospheric emission halved in one year.
• The company was successfully privatized in 1997.