The companies were challenged to reach this objective by parent corporation, Freudenberg and Co., during a recent internal Global Innovation Forum on raw materials and innovation. The two-day event, annually conducted and simultaneously video-cast from locations in Germany, Brazil, the United States, China and Japan, allowed Freudenberg's global contingent of scientists, chemists and other technical specialists to review green projects, share best practices and participate in critical discussions about ongoing environmental issues.
The impact that global megatrends such as population growth, global warming and an increasing scarcity of resources is having on Freudenberg's business and innovations - and how the corporation will respond - was central to the Global Innovation Forum.
"In the past, we have successfully issued challenges to our manufacturing facilities to achieve zero defects and zero accidents," said Dr. Martin Stark, a member of the Freudenberg and Co. Management Board. "We are now issuing a challenge to achieve zero manufacturing waste. The trends driving our business today mandate this kind of response if we are to maintain long-term growth and profitability."
Improving environmental sustainability
In North America, Freudenberg companies provide products and services as diverse as consumer cleaning products; medical devices; seals and gaskets for the transportation and construction industries; industrial components for the energy and oil and gas industries; nonwoven filters and materials; information technology outsourcing; and specialty lubricants and release agents.
All of the companies are said to be engaged in implementing processes and programs that will improve the environmental sustainability of their products and plants, said Leesa Smith, President, Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership. "Freudenberg's North America companies are committed to developing the highest quality products available in manufacturing facilities that protect people, communities and the environment," Smith said.
"Freudenberg has a 160-year history of conducting its business with integrity and a commitment to the welfare of its plant communities. The confluence of new environmental challenges and this long-standing corporate culture is pushing our people to develop green industrial innovations that will help solidify our success - and the health of our communities - into the next century."
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