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Ferro views
growing worldwide concern for the environment as an
opportunity to develop better products, to continuously
improve the responsible management of chemicals and to
participate in chemical industry efforts to address
public concerns. Environmental
considerations are a driving force behind the evolution
of products and the identification of additional niche
opportunities by each of the business segments. Examples
include the development of lead- and cadmium-free color
pigments and of fuel additives that reduce automotive
emissions, the growing popularity of solvent-free powder
coatings and of recyclable polypropylene compounds, and
much more.
Ferro has invested heavily in upgrading
facilities to meet regulatory standards, increase
efficiency, minimize and reuse wastes and enhance the
recyclability of products. Since 1985, for example, the
Company has conducted regular audits to ensure that all
plants comply with exacting environmental, health and
safety standards. Ferro also implemented a program in
1988 to minimize wastes that has led to a substantial
decline in pounds of waste per pounds of product. The
Company participates in and already exceeds the goals of
the U.S. EPA's voluntary 33/50 Program. This program
calls for a 50 percent reduction in the environmental
releases of 17 specific chemicals by 1995.
In addition, virtually all bulk storage tanks
have been moved above ground or eliminated. Recently
installed biological waste water treatment plants at the
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Bedford, Ohio, facilities
ensure that waste water effluent meets regulatory
requirements for discharge. Ferro is also committed to
installing state-of-the-art systems to reduce volatile
emissions at its manufacturing facilities.
The Company has developmental programs under
way to enhance the recyclability of polypropylene
products, and the polypropylene compounding business is
utilizing greater quantities of recycled plastics.
Ferro participates in the Chemical
Manufacturers Association's Responsible Care program, a
broad chemical industry commitment to improve
environmental and safety performance through a process
the ensures responsivenss to the public's concerns. As
part of the program, Ferro has been implementing
management practices that address process safety,
pollution prevention, employee health and safety,
distribution, community awareness, emergency response and
product stewardship.
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