Manufacturers Embrace Green

Companies across the state find new markets in green products and environmental awareness

When a major retailer asked its suppliers if it was possible to create a greener version of plastic packaging, Hopkins-based Thermotech, answered: "Absolutely."

Thermotech specializes in precision injection molding and assembly with the tagline, "Where Ideas Take Shape."

Thermotech is one of several Minnesota manufacturers exploring a new market in "green" products. Using a Totally Degradable Plastics Additive (TDPA) developed by EPI Environmental Technologies, Inc., Thermotech now produces plastic products that break down over time, should they end up in landfills.

"The intent has been to develop a degradable and biodegradable plastic that is as functional as commodity plastics," says company representative Phil Sykes. "But it would degrade, and biodegrade, relatively quickly in a landfill environment."

Degradable plastics incorporate TDPA and are "programmed" to start breaking down into smaller non-toxic parts, a process that involves just the reaction of oxygen, sunlight, elevated temperature, and/or mechanical stress. The benefit of degradable plastic, says Sykes, is that while main elements of packaging still exist, the amount of landfill space required is dramatically reduced.  

While Thermotech matches appropriate plastics for customers, it notes that degradable plastic products have a shelf-life. Sykes tells of company staffers who kept packaging products on display at their desks, "and eventually [the plastic] started breaking down in their office."

Another Minnesota company that specializes in packaging innovations, Natureworks, LLC uses a biopolymer product called Ingeo made from sugar, a renewable resource, instead of an oil-based product. Producing Ingeo creates sixty percent less greenhouse gases, and uses fifty percent less fossil fuel according to Natureworks. Cargill recently announced purchasing the company, and plans sell their product internationally.

Natureworks is also exploring new areas to use the Ingeo product. Partnering with Pacific Coast Feather Company, Natureworks launched the first Ingeo fiberfill bedding for pillows, comforters, and other items which sell through major retailers.

Companies in greater Minnesota are embracing environmentally friendly products as well. Valley Design Enterprises, a custom painting and furniture component supplier, is finding that green works for their business, even in small southeastern Fountain, Minn.

Valley Design is a member of the Green Supplier Network (GSN, a collaboration between industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) that works with all levels of the supply chain to achieve environmental and economic benefits.

In 2003, Valley Design became only the second company in Minnesota to implement Autophoretic painting technology, which virtually eliminates the release of Volatile Organic Compounds into the air.

"It's our owners' philosophy that it's very, very important to be industry leaders and leaders in the community as far as green," says Red Walter, general manager of manufacturing at Valley Design. "We recycle steel; we recycle cardboard - everything we possibly can. It's a good thing for the community."

To learn more about Valley Design and the Green Supplier Network, read the upcoming July/August issue of Enterprise Minnesota magazine. Click here to subscribe today.

For more on manufacturers embracing green in their business, register to attend "The Next Generation of Lean" on July 22 in St. Joseph, Minn. 

The Next Generation of Lean

When: July 22, 2009, 8:00am - 11:00am
Where: Gorecki Center, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph
Cost: Early Bird Rate $79 (before July 15), Group Rate 4 for $237, or Regular $110
Continental breakfast provided.



Who should attend:
CEOs, General Managers, CFOs, CIOs, VPs, Mid Level Managers, & Supervisors

What to expect:
Competing and winning today in business requires foresight that includes Green (environmental sustainability) and Lean (reduced costs and increased efficiency) to create strategies that deliver clear, measurable, and rapid returns. Come learn how today's successful organizations are combining Lean and Green practices to improve productivity, competitiveness and opportunities for growth.

Presenters:

Register online today!

For questions or more information email events@enterpriseminnesota.org or call our events line at 612.455.4239.