Dow Corning reports waste reduction progress

The company said the reductions at its European, North American and Chinese sites had been achieved in part through its materials conversion program, which converts or recycles its waste, scrap and off-spec silicone materials instead of sending them to landfill or incineration. Materials are then reprocessed into new products that meet customers' specifications. “Waste reduction emerged as the most important environmental issue facing manufacturing businesses nowadays in an international study we commissioned last year,” said Peter Cartwright, Dow Corning executive director for environment, health and safety. “Like many other companies Dow Corning is actively looking for ways to cut our waste levels.” Examples of the success in these efforts at Barry include lowering the waste generated there by a factor of 10 and reducing the overall amount of waste solvent at the site by reusing a different solvent that is generated as a waste byproduct elsewhere in the plant. “Our commitment to sustainability not only factors into the products, processes, technologies and solutions Dow Corning offers,” said Cartwright, “but it also is apparent in our approach to waste reduction during the manufacturing process.” Pictured: A nature and education centre at Dow Corning's Barry site underlines the company's committment to the environment.