Kimball's Environmental Policy Statement is the foundation of the Company's environmental policies and actions. Regarding recycling, it specifically states, We strive to maximize the reclamation and recycling of materials to eliminate any adverse impact on the environment. | |
From 2004 to 2008, Kimball International reduced the amount of waste sent to the landfill by 1,055 tons annually. |
Kimball is committed to developing products and processes that are environmentally friendly, and to promote recycling and the wise usage of renewable resources. In all, Kimball International recycles 65 different items in over fifteen categories.
The Kimball internal corporate environmental team monitors data and provides corporate-wide and unit-specific reports on reduction and recycling efforts, in support of each facility Safety and Environmental personnel. Management also uses this data to determine further improvement areas and recommendations for action.
Each Kimball manufacturing location has Significant Environmental Aspect (SEA) programs to address intitiatives and promote continuous improvement. In Fiscal Year 2009, there were SEA reduction programs in the following areas: (18) waste reduction/recycling; (7) energy reduction; (6) air emission reduction; and (2) water reduction programs.
To provide inspiration and support among employees, the Kimball employee newsletter regularly includes articles on success stories about waste reduction and recycling efforts.
From the Product Development Teams to the Manufacturing Shop Floor, employees throughout Kimball demonstrate commitment to finding ways to eliminate waste and pollutants, reduce materials usage, and provide for safer, cleaner facilities and communities. The positive results seen thus far are directly due to the actions of Kimball employees who took time to make a difference.
It is important to understand that while our percentage of recycled materials remains high (average 85%), the actual overall tonnage of materials sent to be recycled has reduced, thanks to our efficiency actions. If generation of all waste materials can be averted, there are fewer impacts to the environment.
Responsible environmental practices also make good business sense. Efforts to lower costs through reduction, re-use, and recycling remain strong.
|
Recycling Percentage Summary
In 2009, the Kimball CRC recycled 3,850,000 pounds of waste materials from our businesses. |
Corporate Recycling Center:
Kimball Corporate Recycle Center (CRC) supports the programs of numerous regional facilities, providing a central location for consolidating recyclable materials for re-sale and transport.
Based upon feedback and requests from the Environmental and Safety Managers at numerous Kimball manufacturing facilities, Kimball established its CRC in November of 2002.
The amount of recycling has steadily increased since 2002. Currently the Kimball CRC recycles over 65 different waste materials. Among the materials recycled are steel, aluminum, glass, oils, fabrics, printer cartridges, several types of plastic, wood, cardboard, and electronic equipment, which is either resold or dismantled and recycled by type of material.
In 2008, Kimball reported that since 1997 it has recycled or reused a minimum of 85.8% of all solid waste generated from its facilities, which has prevented 465,000 tons of waste materials from being placed into landfills.
Walls of Waste
Kimball manufacturing plants are reducing
waste sent to landfills, thus enabling recycling
and reuse into many products, further
reducing demand on virgin materials.