The U.S. metalcasting industry can point to a proud record on using renewable energy sources, focusing on environmental issues and steadily improving safety, according to a white paper developed by the American Foundry Society (AFS).
The metalcasting industry has a long history of recycling metal scrap into feedstock for new products, and it is increasing the beneficial use of recycled casting sand as well as other materials used in the production process. Through its cooperation in the Environmental Protection Agency's Sector Strategy program, the industry has significantly reduced energy consumption and toxic wastes. Furthermore, the metalcasting industry has had yearly decreases in recordable accidents and honored 12 facilities that in 2007 reached million marks of consecutive man-hours worked without incurring an occupational injury or illness that resulted in days away from work.
"Our industry has taken a variety of approaches to effectively use resources and encourage energy conservation, which often go unnoticed," said Jerry Call, AFS executive vice president. "We're the fourth largest contributor to the recycling manufacturing economy, and have reduced energy consumption by 45 percent over an eight-year period."
"U.S. Metalcasting Industry Provides Environmental and Safety Improvements" delineates these efforts, and also explains how the industry is contributing to the development of renewable energy sources and providing training to continue safety improvements. The white paper is available at http://www.afsinc.org/.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., AFS is a not-for-profit technical and management society that has existed since 1896 to provide and promote knowledge and services that strengthen the metalcasting industry for the ultimate benefit of its customers and society.