U.S. Rubber Enterprises Consciously Looks at "Green Chemicals"
With the growing awareness of sustainable development, the principles of "green chemistry" and the pursuit of an environmentally friendly society have become increasingly important. In recent years, U.S. companies have actively embraced the green chemical industry, integrating energy conservation and emission reduction efforts across all levels, from top executives to frontline workers.
**Pike Ohio Company: Starting from the Floor**
Park-Ohio Products Inc., a rubber manufacturing company based in Cleveland, USA, has taken significant steps toward sustainability. In 2007, a group of employees participated in a local community initiative focused on recycling and helping others. They collected old newspapers and soda cans, donated them to churches and fire departments, and used the proceeds to support underprivileged groups. Inspired by this effort, employees proposed a company-wide "recycling initiative." The management supported the idea and implemented clear policies. Today, the company recycles about 57,000 pounds of waste rubber and 7,000 pounds of corrugated cardboard each month. By using recyclable pallets and containers, they have significantly reduced costs and improved environmental performance.
Most of the rubber waste comes from floor cleaning. Previously, these materials were discarded in landfills. Mark King, the company’s marketing director, stated, “This is a positive step for our community. Employees are the driving force behind innovation. When they are involved, even small ideas can make a big difference.†Though still in its early stages, Park-Ohio is steadily moving toward becoming a more eco-friendly business.
**Gates Corp.: Planning for Energy Savings**
Based in Denver, Gates Corp. has made environmental responsibility a key priority. According to Randy Cutler, the company’s global health, safety, and environmental manager, a dedicated “greening†team was established to develop environmental strategies, including improvements for both new and existing facilities.
The company recently opened a plant in Virginia and is preparing another in Iowa. From the start, energy-saving measures were integrated into the design process. Although solar energy was initially considered, it was deemed too costly. Instead, the company opted for natural gas heating, which reduces costs by 30–40%. Energy-efficient lighting with motion sensors, along with targeted air conditioning and water recovery systems, have further contributed to sustainability. These initiatives also apply to older plants, especially when combined with boiler upgrades.
Through these efforts, Gates Corp. has set a new standard for energy efficiency in the rubber and plastic industries.
**Sid Richardson Carbon Corporation: Environmental Issues Are a Top Priority**
Sid Richardson Carbon Co., a producer of carbon black, has long prioritized environmental concerns. Riaz Bismil, head of the carbon division, noted that the company’s leadership consistently aligns environmental protection with core values. Their strategic focus includes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic growth—aiming for long-term sustainability.
The company has implemented a cogeneration project at its Texas plant, which captures waste heat and converts it into electricity. Since its completion in 2006, the system has saved approximately 90,000 tons of coal annually and reduced water usage by 125 million gallons per year through the use of air-cooled condensers. Additionally, the company has adopted an internal environmental responsibility system and plans to join the U.S. EPA’s Climate Leaders Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It has also decided not to pursue ISO 14001 certification, instead aiming for a more rigorous and value-added independent system.
**Cold Spray Company: Promoting Green Technologies**
Cold Jet LLC has been a leader in providing dry ice blasting technology and environmental cleaning solutions to the rubber industry for over 20 years. According to Tony Lehnig, the company’s R&D deputy general manager, the key to promoting green technology is ensuring it delivers real value to customers, not just technical benefits.
The company developed online washing technology that allows molds to be cleaned during normal production, reducing downtime. Traditional methods take around six hours, but Cold Jet’s dry ice blasting technology cuts time and uses fewer solvents, making it a more eco-friendly solution. This innovation has helped the company stand out as a leader in sustainable industrial cleaning.
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