Superior Essex Communications, among the top manufacturers and suppliers of communications cable in North America, announced the company has recently achieved the certification milestone of remaining Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) for seven consecutive years at its manufacturing facility in Hoisington, Kansas.
Superior Essex stated that GreenCircle Certified, LLC performed the rigorous, third-party evaluation process once again to substantiate the company’s Zero Waste claim, and provide certification that its Hoisington facility "has not sent a single pound of waste to landfill since 2014."
“This is a monumental achievement for a manufacturing facility and a true testament to the dedication of the Superior Essex team. It is not easy to attain GreenCircle’s Zero Waste to Landfill certification, and it is impressive that Superior Essex has hit this goal for the past seven consecutive years,” said Tad Radzinski, Certification Officer at GreenCircle Certified.
He added, “This accomplishment has reduced waste, saved valuable resources from being lost in a landfill, and exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainability. In addition, this certification contributes to the LEED Circular Products pilot credit for Zero Waste Manufacturing.”
Certification details & accolades
During the evaluation, GreenCircle confirmed that, since 2016, the Superior Essex Hoisington facility has reduced its water usage by over 20%, its generated waste by over 30% and its Scope-1 and Scope-2 Carbon Emissions by 16%. To holistically reduce resource use, the company notes it invested in a closed-loop system that recycles 100% of the water used in its extrusion process and installed energy-efficient lighting systems as well.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized for our continued commitment to a sustainable future,” said Brad R. Johnson, President, Superior Essex Communications. “Sustainability is a responsibility, and it’s one we’re happy to meet, as it makes a significant impact to everywhere we live and work. We believe that the technology that interconnects the world should also respect it. That’s not just a slogan, but a way of living and working for us.”
“Achieving Zero Waste to Landfill for the 7th year in a row is an enormous achievement and one that many people have contributed to,” added Annie Bevan, Global Head of Sustainability, Superior Essex Communications. “Congratulations to the entire Hoisington team for continued leadership in reducing our environmental impact and providing sustainable cable solutions to the market.”
As cited by the company, one of the key employees responsible for leading the plant’s sustainability initiatives is Phil Metro, Manager, Distribution Services, at the Superior Essex manufacturing facility in Hoisington.
The company notes that "Metro and the plant’s grassroots 'green team' have worked diligently and passionately for over 16 years to make Superior Essex a more sustainable manufacturer. The team has continuously remained vigilant over the plant’s waste reduction, recycling and reuse programs; verified that their partners do the same; and maintained their resource-reduction efforts to minimize their water use, electricity consumption and carbon emissions."
“Though I may lead this effort, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the diligent accountability of all our employees on the plant floor who keep our sustainability practices running so well,” said Metro.
A company announcement emphasized, "Attaining zero-waste facility status means that Superior Essex must account for the potential waste created throughout its entire downstream process, including that of third parties involved in recycling and reusing waste materials."
"As a result of this effort, the company’s sustainable processes have proven Superior Essex as the first company in the communications industry – and one of only a handful across the entire United States – with a verified Zero Waste to Landfill certification. Moreover, fewer companies still have been able to keep that certification for seven consecutive years – a feat unto itself."
GreenCircle's Radzinski concluded, “Superior Essex has been fully transparent throughout the rigorous certification process and continuing to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill for seven consecutive years is very difficult. This speaks to the hard work and dedication that Superior Essex employees put in every day to ensure they are doing the right thing and driving continuous improvement in their facility.”