Bridgestone Americas Inc. said its Wilson, N.C., manufacturing facility has earned validation from UL Environment for the plant’s zero-waste-to-landfill claim.
The Wilson facility, which makes tires for passenger cars and light trucks, achieved its zero-waste-to-landfill goals in February 2013, and began the process of applying for UL’s claim validation, according to Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas. During the evaluation process, UL verified Wilson’s zero-waste-to-landfill claim with 14 percent waste to energy, determining that a majority of the facility’s waste-to-energy diversion – 11 percent – is the best possible use for that material, according to the company.
“The UL mark is widely accepted as one of the highest achievements for companies and products,” said Tim Bent, director of environmental affairs for Bridgestone Americas. “UL Environment’s validation of our zero-waste-to-landfill achievement at Wilson demonstrates to our customers, our communities and our teammates that we are a corporate partner highly committed to helping ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.”
Bridgestone noted that leadership at the Wilson plant worked closely with disposal partner Waste Management Sustainability Services, a division of Waste Management Inc., to identify all of the remnant waste materials from manufacturing processes such as whole scrap tires, rubber components and packaging, as well as ancillary support processes such as offices and cafeterias. Bridgestone and Waste Management found other beneficial-use markets for these materials.
“It was clear from our work with the Wilson leadership team that their commitment was something that should be nurtured and recognized on a much larger scale,” said Tom Carpenter, director of Waste Management’s Sustainability Services Division.
Bridgestone’s tire plant in Aiken, S.C., achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status in December 2012, according to the company.
“One Team, One Planet” is the overarching program for all of Bridgestone Corp.’s environmental activities focusing on the company’s three major environmental objectives: being in harmony with nature, valuing natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions.