Page 18 - ILMA Compoundings - September 2021

Superior Sustainability

Taking a comprehensive approach, from production

to compliance and beyond

ustainability is essential for any company that wants to Prioritizing the Objectives
remain successful in business. Yet not everyone agrees
Son what makes a company or a product sustainable. “One of the primary goals of any lubricant is to reduce fric-
To some manufacturers, sustainability simply means being tion,” which directly relates to energy consumption, noted
biodegradable, eco-friendly or just “green.” But lubricant Jim Fitch, CEO of Noria Corp. “The better the lubricant
manufacturers need a broader and deeper understanding. is at reducing mechanical friction, the lower its carbon
A comprehensive approach to sustainability means ensur- footprint. But that’s just in terms of the end user. There
ing each step of the manufacturing process is sustainable are points throughout the manufacturing and distribution
— including formulation, storage and shipping. But it also processes where the carbon footprint can be lowered and
means addressing customer expectations for safe, sustainable where we can improve sustainability. As an industry, we’re
products while remaining compliant with government making progress in these areas, but it’s never-ending. There
regulations. It isn’t easy or straightforward, but it is the way are all kinds of ways to do a better job at reducing energy
forward. Reducing environmental impact and ensuring consumption that has a carbon footprint.”
safe handling is a balancing act that involves weighing costs One of the challenges is the fact that sustainability is only
and consequences along with a company’s carbon footprint one of the objectives manufacturers are working to achieve. No
through every phase of a product’s life cycle. matter how strong a company’s commitment to sustainability

16 SEPTEMBER 2021 | COMPOUNDINGS | ILMA.ORG