At CWM, our unwavering dedication to sustainability is not just a part of our identity; it’s the core of who we are. In addition to our monthly updates on recycling efforts, which we post on our blog, we also want to highlight other goals demonstrating our steadfast commitment to this cause.
Together with our partners and stakeholders, we’re paving the way towards a sustainable tomorrow. This collective effort makes CWM a true ‘Green Biz Leader ‘. Let’s look at some of the metrics that we’ve achieved together.
- Energy Usage: Each year, we’re making significant strides in reducing the electricity and natural gas we use. We’re currently in year 4 of a 5-year goal to reduce our energy consumption by 5%, and we’re on track to accomplish our goal. This progress gives us hope for a more sustainable future.
- Die Lubrication: The die casting process requires the application of a chemical lubricant on the die with each cycle of the tool. CWM set a goal to use less die lubricant each year due to the total number of pounds of aluminum processed. When we initiated this goal in 2003, we processed 207 lbs. of aluminum per gallon of die lubricant. Twenty years later, our goal was 1,200 lbs. of aluminum processed per gallon of die lubricant used—and we’re proud to say we achieved our goal.
- Wastewater: CWM has set a goal to reduce wastewater and generate less than 9.43 gallons of wastewater per hundred pounds of aluminum shipped. Back in 2012, for example, we generated just over 18 gallons of wastewater per hundred pounds of aluminum shipped. In 2023, we only generated 5.5 gallons of wastewater per hundred pounds of aluminum shipped.
- Copy Paper: Like many companies, CWM consumes hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper each year for creating reports, shipping documents, invoices, purchase orders, training records, etc. In 2013, we used 651,000 pieces of paper and aimed to reduce that usage by 30% over five years. We met that goal in 2018 and created a new goal to reduce the usage by 25% over the next five years. In 2023, we surpassed our goal by only using 242,116 pieces of copy paper when the target to meet was 298,403 pieces of copy paper.
- Electronics: In 2023, we recycled 100% of the toner cartridges used and achieved our goal of repurposing computer systems. CWM also aims to recycle/repurpose at least five computer systems annually — that goal was also achieved in 2023.
- Environmental Partnerships: Collaborating with environmental suppliers is integral to reducing our carbon footprint. We work closely with companies such as Groot Recycling for waste hauling, Hazchem Environmental Corp. for wastewater management, and other reputable waste removal firms for various recycling needs.
As we reflect on our major environmental initiatives for all of 2023, it’s evident that Chicago White Metal has made significant strides toward reducing our ecological footprint. Our commitment to sustainability is not just a matter of corporate responsibility; it’s ingrained in our culture and operations.
Looking ahead, CWM is dedicated to environmental sustainability and continuous improvement. We recognize that our journey toward a greener future is ongoing, and we’re committed to exploring innovative solutions and setting ambitious goals to reduce our environmental footprint further. Together, we can make a tangible difference in protecting our planet for future generations.
