Wired for Environmental Responsibility
Northwire products come in many colors, but in essence each one is green. That’s because we have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability throughout our more than 35-year history. Our company philosophy is grounded in longevity with an emphasis on employees, customers and suppliers for life, and longstanding community support. Our dedication to the life of the planet and all its inhabitants is evident throughout every aspect of Northwire's operation.
Smaller Environmental Footprints
Northwire continually explores new ways to realize a strong environmental commitment in each of its facilities. To save energy, we have integrated fluorescent lighting in our manufacturing plants with timed lighting dimmers in all offices. Every facility meets Clean Air Act standards and passes third party approval tests for compliance with state indoor-air quality requirements. In addition, Northwire implements WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) standards, and our future building expansion plan incorporates measures to gain LEED certification credits.
Manufacturing Efficiencies
Northwire employs Lean manufacturing and 5S programs to organize its employees and work flow for maximum efficiency, improved productivity and waste reduction. Our scrap reduction program focuses on preserving natural resources. Northwire’s manufacturing facilities operate three shifts, five days a week to reduce energy consumption and minimize the number of startups and shutdowns. Our process water is tested and treated to control bacteria and pyrogen levels—both to meet our customer’s needs and to provide a healthier working environment.
Resourceful Recycling
Northwire recycles its fluorochemicals to scrap dealers and reclaimers, who in turn sell to suppliers for reuse. All of our MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)—our most hazardous chemical—is recycled along with paper, cardboard, reels, pallets and ink.
Green Chemistry
Northwire’s EPP (environmentally preferred purchasing) program of raw materials and compounds complies with global initiatives that include REACH, RoHS, IEC and LSZH. Most of the materials Northwire uses to insulate and protect products are thermoplastic. We avoid using rubber in the products we manufacture because it is not environmentally friendly and wipes out habitats threatened with extinction due to over-harvesting.
Supplying Products That Serve Green Markets
Our focus on a green future is evident in the innovative products Northwire manufactures for applications such as: wind generation, lighting, wastewater treatment, in situ monitoring, leak detection and water quality testing. This same ingenuity was used to develop cable for a product that helped save whales trapped under the ice in Alaska.
Think Globally, Act Locally, Save Significantly
A majority of Northwire employees live in close proximity to our plants and offices, which helps support our efforts to reduce fuel consumption. And whenever possible, our services, products and equipment are purchased locally.
Northwire has a long history of environmental responsibility. It shows in the many measures we are taking today to preserve and protect our planet’s resources. Looking to the future, we will continue to seek ways to improve sustainability even more. Our dedication to this principle is your assurance that regardless of the Northwire products you purchase—and despite the color—they will always be as green as we can possibly make them.
