At ECORE we are committed to operating our business and facilities in a manner that uses resources wisely and protects the quality of our environment and the health and safety of our associates, families, and communities.
As an industry leader in recycled products technology, our products are manufactured in state of the art production facilities where we focus on and strive to continually improve our efficiency and responsible resource management. To that end, we have developed energy-efficient manufacturing processes that use minimal water and little or no heat, and we reuse our scrap to minimize waste.
Water Conservation
We employ a closed loop chilling system, re-circulating water rather than releasing it into the sewer system. This process allows us to conserve 17.5 million gallons of water each year and ensures that the absolute minimum amount of fresh water is used in our manufacturing facilities.
Energy Stewardship
At ECORE we have developed exclusive, state of the art equipment and manufacturing processes specifically designed to improve the quality of our products and increase energy efficiency. By incorporating these proprietary methods, we are able to use 40% less energy than standard industry procedures. The amount of natural gas we conserve each year could service 120 average American homes. ECORE has adopted energy efficient approaches to lighting our plants and have changed light bulbs in our manufacturing facilities from inefficient metal-halide to high efficiency fluorescent lights. This lighting change reduces our energy consumption by nearly 1 million kWh per year. Cutting this much electric power is the airscrubbing equivalent of a 182-acre forest, or taking 160 cars off of the road.
Air Quality Control
By selecting only the highest quality raw materials and developing a strict manufacturing process, ECORE is able to ensure that harmful emissions are not given off to employees or the environment. In addition, our ECOsurfaces commercial flooring, Everlast sports surfacing, and PlayGuard safety surfacing have all earned FloorScore certification. The FloorScore program was developed by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) in conjunction with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), which tests and certifies flooring as well as flooring adhesive products and certifies production facilities for compliance with rigorous indoor air quality emission requirements. Individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are evaluated using health-based specifications.
Recycling Efforts
Because recycling is the core of our business, all of our production scrap is automatically collected and recycled back into the system so nothing goes to waste. Our products are packaged on wooden pallets and use recycled newspaper or cardboard for shipment. On-site recycling bins ensure that all other waste paper, cardboard, and plastic from incoming deliveries is diverted from area landfills as well. Our recycling efforts don’t stop with our products or our manufacturing plants; ECORE actively recycles paper, plastic, and cans at its office facilities. We purchase sustainable office supplies, recycle printer cartridges, and wherever possible specify environmentally friendly materials and procedures for our marketing efforts.
Product Reclamation
Once cleaned and free of debris, many of ECORE’s products can be recycled back into useful products. During installation, salvages and overages from many of our products can be packaged and shipped back to ECORE where they will be reground and used in other materials we manufacture. ECORE has created a cost-effective, efficient reclamation program for our customers that allows full cradle to cradle recycling of our products. We will continue to develop innovative processes and solutions that will further enhance our reclamation process.
Sustainable Future
As we move forward, our intent is to build upon our expertise in manufacturing recycled rubber products, and to develop innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life through an array of products and product systems for the construction, consumer, commercial, industrial, and sports and fitness markets. At ECORE we see our commitment to the development of environmentally responsible solutions as an ongoing process that requires continual evaluation and review. As we improve and refine our knowledge and capabilities, ECORE will continue to strive for environmental excellence in our responsible use of resources and application of effective environmental practices.
