Freudenberg and Co. aims at zero manufacturing waste

The annual Global Innovation Forum on raw materials and innovation was simultaneously video-cast from various locations in Germany, Brazil, the United States, China and Japan; the two-day event gave Freudenberg and Co.’s global contingent of scientists, chemists and other technical specialists the opportunity to review green projects, share their knowledge and participate in important discussions about current environmental issues.
A key issue at the Global Innovation Forum was the impact that global megatrends like population growth, global warming and the increasing scarcity of resources is having on the business and innovations of Freudenberg. The company’s response to these issues was also central to the Global Innovation Forum. Freudenberg and Co., through its 16 companies operate in various markets and sectors including automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, textile and clothing, construction, mining, energy, chemical, oil and gas industries.
In response to the challenges presented at the Global Innovation Forum, Freudenberg and Co. challenged its 16 companies in North America to reach zero manufacturing waste by focusing on industrial processes that use recycled product content, and through plant recycling, lower water and energy consumption, as well as increased use of sustainable materials over the next decade.
A member of the Freudenberg and Co. Management Board, Martin Stark said, “In the past, we have successfully issued challenges to our manufacturing facilities to achieve zero defects and zero accidents. 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.” (July 3, 2012)