Restek Corporation manufactures chromatographic supplies. Beginning in 1988, largely due to employee interest, Restek began recycling aluminum cans in its production facility, and began reusing single-sided copier paper. In 1994, Restek instituted a waste reduction program to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste generated by production areas, office areas, and individual employees. The program encompassed solvent, packaging, styrofoam, office paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic recycling, along with the reduction and reuse of packaging materials and office paper.
Restek accomplished this through the following efforts:
_ Invested in a distillation apparatus for solvent recycling, resulting in a reduction in solvent use by 4,000 liters. This meant a cost savings of $20,000.
_ Purchased solvents in returnable 'Now Pack' containers, eliminating brown glass jugs, styrofoam packaging and cardboard boxes.
_ Began using recyclable corrugated cardboard boxes and minimal package padding as the main method of packaging.
_ Provided each office and work area with recycling bins for mixed office paper and educated everyone about what is and is not recyclable.
_ Began reusing single sided copy/office paper for non-critical information and recycling all unwanted mail, outdated catalogs, data packs, and brochures.
_ Separated recyclable glass, plastic #1 and #2 containers, and all metal containers.
_ Began sending styrofoam packaging spools back to the manufacturer for reuse and all other styrofoam, including polystyrene food containers, to the National Polystyrene Recycling Center in New Jersey for recycling.
_ Voluntarily began monitor their groundwater as a pro-active measure to ensure that groundwater quality is maintained.
In addition, every employee signs an Environmental Policy statement which commits them to supporting Restek's efforts to maintain a healthy environment for generations to come and to act responsibly in the disposal of waste. All of these efforts have reduced Restek's trash by two-thirds, a result that was apparent within three weeks of program implementation. A total of 25 tons of mixed office paper was recycled, which saved 823 trees in 1994 and 23.4 tons of corrugated cardboard was recycled.
For further information, contact: Cindy Ross, Fused Silica Column Mfg. Supervisor, (814) 353-1300.