Chemical Reduction Project
While its production increased by 15.7% in 2007, Firestone’s use of hazardous chemicals increased by only 5.5% by making the following improvements:
- Improved process controls—such as improved facer temperature control and increased pump and piping capacity improvements.
- Improved processing through implementation and adherence to company Best Operating Practices as well as daily auditing of the process for adherence.
- Continuing training of equipment operators.
The environment benefited because using less chemicals also less of an opportunity for a possible negative impact during manufacture and handling by suppliers. The reduced chemical usage versus increased production obviously results in a financial savings for the company.