# Ford’s Global Waste Reduction Strategy Explained

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/fords-global-waste-reduction-strategy-explained/
- Published: 2015-06-04T22:56:05-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Ford Aims to Cut Waste-to-Landfill 40 Percent per Vehicle by 2016

Ford Motor Company has announced a five-year plan to reduce waste globally. They
are definitely showing the world about their commitment to sustainability. The goal
is to cut down waste to 13.4 pounds for each vehicle produced. This is essentially
by adopting better waste management and also more efficient manufacturing, Ford 
aims to meet regulations and moreover lead the automotive industry in green living
vehicles through eco-friendliness.

The plan also includes working with suppliers and recycling programs to reuse materials.
This will help reduce their ecological impact.

## Ford’s Target to Recycle 40%

The comprehensive strategy covers all angles of Ford’s waste reduction plans. That’s
from working with global suppliers to use more eco-friendly packaging. For it even
addresses kitchen waste.

![A ford vehicle is displayed in a manufacturing facility surrounded by stacks of
recycled tires highlighting the company&aposs commitment to sustainability and waste
reduction](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/image-
15-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

Ford SUV positioned between stacks of recycled tires showcasing the companys commitment
to sustainability and waste reduction

Reducing waste isn’t just and environmentally [friendly](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/01/5-environmentally-friendly-choices-to-make-in-2021/)
idea for Ford. For it it also has financial benefits. I mean in 2012 Ford generated
$225 million in revenue. All by [recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/ford-finds-new-use-for-4-1-million-pounds-of-recycled-carpet-under-your-feet/)
scrap metal in the US and Canada. Thereby proving again that sustainability doesn’t
have to come at the expense of profitability.

## Here’s part of the release!

### Ford Aims to Cut Waste-to-Landfill 40 Percent per Vehicle by 2016 through New Five-Year Global Waste Reduction Plan

The new five-year global waste reduction strategy encompasses Ford’s overall “Reduce,
reuse and recycle” commitment. For that applies to all facets of the company. I 
mean from the vehicles it makes to the facilities where they are made.

Plan builds on the success the company saw between 2007 and 2011. It was a period
marked by significant progress and improvements. Particularly noteworthy is the 
impressive reduction in the amount of waste sent to landfill per vehicle. It dropped
from 37.9 to 22.7 pounds, showcasing a commendable 40 percent reduction. This achievement
not only reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability but also highlights
the effectiveness of innovative waste management strategies. These were implemented
during that time. By focusing on waste minimization techniques and encouraging responsible
disposal practices, the company enhanced its environmental footprint. It also set
a benchmark for industry peers. This paved the way for future initiatives aimed 
at further reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly operations.

![Graphic showing Ford's recycling efforts with stacked tires, featuring text about
the amount of rubber recycled and its use in vehicle parts.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/image3.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

Ford’s commitment to recycling: Over 2.2 million pounds of rubber repurposed from
tires into seals and gaskets for vehicles.

### Actual Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 27, 2013 – Cutting waste-to-landfill at Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission
Plant has always been important to workers there. However, they weren’t satisfied
until last fall. Especially when a small, diligent local committee played a major
role. That’s in solving a nagging 10-ton problem.

The solution – a way to keep 10 tons’ worth of 8-foot-long, 350-pound fabric coolant
filters from being landfilled monthly. For it means the Van Dyke facility is Ford’s
first North American zero waste-to-landfill transmission plant. For it now diverts
a total of 15 tons of waste-from-landfill monthly.

In addition, the comprehensive strategy covers all angles of Ford’s waste reduction
plans. That’s from working with global suppliers to use more eco-friendly packaging.
Thereby enabling employees such as those at Van Dyke to play an active role. All
in coming up with ways to help Ford reach its goals. Even kitchen waste is addressed.

### There can also be financial benefits:

In 2012, Ford generated $225 million in revenue through the recycling of 568,000
tons of [scrap metal](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/schnitzer-steel-facing-consequences-for-scrap-metal-pollution/)
in the U.S. and Canada. 

For the new strategy also builds on the success the company saw between 2007 and
2011. Especially when the amount of waste sent to landfill per vehicle dropped from
37.9 to 22.7 pounds. Again, a 40 percent reduction. Reductions were accomplished
through the launch of new initiatives and programs. Such as paint waste recycling
at facilities in Australia, Thailand, India, and Spain.

#### Other actions identified as key near-term goals for waste reduction at Ford facilities around the world include:

Identifying the five largest volume waste-to-landfill streams at each plant is crucial.
It is the first step in our sustainability efforts. This enables us to develop comprehensive
and targeted plans to significantly reduce each type of waste. Furthermore, we meticulously
track progress over time to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Minimizing waste by leveraging the Ford production system is indeed key. A continuously
improving, flexible, and disciplined global production system undeniably helps. 
It, therefore, encompasses a set of principles and processes that are specifically
geared towards driving lean manufacturing. This alignment, as a result, allows us
to match our operational practices with our environmental objectives. Furthermore,
by enhancing our waste sorting procedures, we aim not only to make recycling and
reuse easier, but also to make it more efficient. Consequently, this fosters a culture
of sustainability among employees and stakeholders alike. Moreover, investing in
innovative technologies that greatly minimize waste, such as dry-machining, similarly
presents opportunities for us to enhance production efficiency while simultaneously
reducing our environmental footprint. In addition, expanding programs that specifically
address the management of particular types of waste, including metallic particles
from grinding and paint sludge, ultimately allows us to adopt a more holistic approach.
This ensures that we effectively mitigate the environmental impact of our operations
across all aspects.

#### Van Dyke Plant

Dave Lewis, environmental engineer at the Van Dyke plant, said he believes one particular
aspect of the new global waste strategy could yield the best results. Enabling and
encouraging local personnel to affect change is crucial.

Between 2010 and 2012, Van Dyke kept 111 tons of waste from landfill. Van Dyke became
a zero waste-to-landfill plant in late 2012. This success came after the environmental
committee there figured out on their own how to handle giant, 8-foot-long, 350-pound
fabric coolant filters. These filters were creating 10 tons of waste a month.

Robert Brown, vice president of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering,
highlighted Van Dyke as a key model for Ford facilities worldwide. This choice underscores
the innovative practices in action. It sets a benchmark for other sites to follow.
Van Dyke showcases successful sustainable manufacturing initiatives. Ford embraces
a transformative approach. The company aims to achieve its ambitious waste reduction
goals. This commitment to sustainability reflects Ford’s vision of environmental
responsibility. It positions the company as a leader in the automotive industry.

### Zero Waste Globally

Ford’s push to establish more zero waste-to-landfill facilities globally is one 
element of the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. This initiative
is part of a broader strategy aimed at sustainable development, where every facility
is designed to minimize waste output and ensure that any waste produced is either
recycled or repurposed. Other initiatives include expanding the use of renewable
energy sources across manufacturing sites, enhancing electric vehicle production
to lower emissions, and investing in community programs that promote environmental
stewardship. By integrating such practices into its operations, Ford not only aims
to meet regulatory standards but also to inspire other corporations to follow suit
in the fight against climate change and resource depletion.

#### Ford’s Global Waste Reduction: Greenhouse gas emissions

To achieve a substantial reduction in manufacturing costs, companies aim to decrease
their production facilities by 30 percent per vehicle between 2010 and 2025. This
initiative involves streamlining operations, optimizing supply chains, and utilizing
advanced technologies to improve efficiency. The focus will be on innovation in 
manufacturing processes that not only cut down on overhead expenses but also enhance
sustainability measures. As a result, the reduction in facilities will pave the 
way for a more agile production strategy, aligning with evolving market demands 
while maintaining product quality and safety standards.

#### Water use:

To achieve a significant reduction in the amount used in the manufacture of each
vehicle by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015, manufacturers implemented innovative
strategies and technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in
production processes. This involved a comprehensive review of material choices and
production techniques, including the adoption of lighter and more [environmentally friendly materials](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/making-manufacturing-better-for-the-planet/),
as well as the streamlining of assembly line operations to minimize waste. Additionally,
the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics and automation,
played a crucial role in reducing resource consumption while maintaining quality
and performance standards. Through these combined efforts, the automotive industry
not only aimed to cut down on manufacturing costs but also to respond to growing
environmental concerns and the demand for greener vehicles.

#### Energy consumption:

A significant achievement was observed with a 25 percent reduction in average consumption
per vehicle globally between 2011 and 2016, reflecting a concerted effort towards
enhancing fuel efficiency and adopting greener technologies. This decline can be
attributed to advancements in automotive engineering, the implementation of more
stringent emissions regulations, and a growing awareness among consumers about the
environmental impact of their choices. As manufacturers introduced innovative solutions,
such as lightweight materials and improved engine designs, the automotive industry
played a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation practices on a worldwide
scale. Additionally, this trend highlights the importance of ongoing investments
in research and development, which continue to drive the evolution of vehicles that
are not only more efficient but also less harmful to our planet.

Source: Ford Motor Company
[http://corporate.ford.com.](https://corporate.ford.com/homepage.html)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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