Thursday, July 14, 2022
Grass Group has considered comprehensive approach to sustainable manufacturing. For a manufacturing company to fulfill a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, it requires an integrated approach that encompasses all aspects from the initial product idea, through production and use, to disposal.
The GRASS Group has earned a reputation for not only producing the highest quality hinges, drawer slides, lifters, and drawer systems but also for its early and continuing leadership in environmental stewardship. Many companies treat ecological concerns as an added cost to production, but the changes made by GRASS for more sustainability have not only benefited the environment but also saved costs.
The company takes pride in taking “personal responsibility” for environmental protection for this global company and each of its 1860 employees. Since 2010, the GRASS Group’s international environmental management system, certified according to ISO 14001, ensures that the company establishes and achieves ambitious, measurable objectives and targets in a process of continual improvement. This commitment is exemplified at its manufacturing plants in Höchst, Salzburg, and Götzis, Austria; Reinheim, Germany; the Czech Republic; Kernersville, North Carolina; and its central warehouse and logistics center in Hohenems, Austria, and distribution center in Toronto, Canada.
Green Power
Set in one of the world’s most beautiful regions, the GRASS head office is located in Höchst on Lake Constance, in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, on the borders of Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Enjoying — and protecting — the environment is a way of life that has always been deeply rooted in GRASS Corporate culture.
The manufacturing plant at Höchst has achieved dramatic reductions in its carbon footprint. Energy efficiency measures have reduced CO2 emissions by 640 tons per year during the past five years. 1 Grass USA | Sustainability Article During this period, overall electricity demand has been reduced by 18%, from 62 million kWh to 51 million kWh per year. In addition, compressor and exhaust gas heat exchange systems, with a total output of over 3000 kW, also improve our carbon footprint.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
GRASS products are almost 100% recyclable. They do not contain any hazardous substances or substances specified in REACH, the European Union regulations restricting chemicals dangerous to human health or the environment.
The volume of non-recyclable waste has also been reduced 40% in the last five years, from 1530 tons to 905 tons per year.
Collaborating for Sustainability
The manufacturing plant in Kernersville, North Carolina, where Grass America produces 40% of its products, has achieved many of its sustainability objectives through collaboration with external stakeholder partners. For example, Grass America partnered with its electric energy supplier to replace fluorescent lighting with more efficient LED lighting. This resulted in reduced energy consumption and the elimination of waste from spent fluorescent tubes.
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