Continental Tire the Americas newest tire production facility in Sumter, S.C., recently attained zero landfill status, meaning that 100% of its waste is converted into recycled products or used for energy.
The topic of sustainability is a “high priority” for Continental, the company said in its announcement. “Whether developing new technologies like dandelion tires or EcoPlus technology, Continental Tire is a leader in sustainability,” the announcement stated.
Conti’s Sumter plant works with waste management company HWI Environmental Technologies to properly process and repurpose all waste materials generated in the facility, it said.
“Continental believes in being a strong community partner, and contributing to a cleaner environment is a high priority across our entire corporation,” Sumter plant manager Craig Baartman said. “Our goal is to remain a zero landfill plant in partnership with our waste management team at HWI to make a positive, sustainable impact in the beautiful city of Sumter.”
In addition to achieving zero landfill status, Conti is focusing on sustainability through the conservation of water and energy within tire plants. The company said that in its Sumter plant, cross-functional teams monitor water usage, steam leakages and other issues that could waste energy or harm the local environment. The plant also educates employees about how to protect and preserve natural resources in and outside of the workplace.
“Achieving zero landfill status at such an early stage in the life of a tire plant could not have been achieved without the support of the Sumter employees,” HWI representative Toby Ross said. “For our recycling programs to be successful, it takes diligence and discipline in separating materials and having a sustainability mindset, and the Continental Tire Sumter Plant has accomplished this.”
According to the company, Conti’s Mt. Vernon, Ill., plant also achieved zero landfill status. Today, the company said, the Mt. Vernon plant averages 28 million pounds of recycled material per year.
