Environmental Sustainability - Go Green with Norton

Saint-Gobain Abrasives aims to be a global steward of sustainable development. We recognize the importance of protecting the environment in the communities we live and work and encourage all employees to act accordingly to improve the carbon footprint. All of our facilities actively engage in recycling and ISO programs and have won numerous awards.

The recent implementation of a new program, Green Tag, will further develop our evaluation of policies, procedures and improvements in our operations, through products, purchasing and production. How we present our corporate identity and our ongoing actions of eco-consciousness sends a strong message on our commitment to safe practices and the dependability of our brands.

Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

This is the third consecutive year that Saint-Gobain and its North American subsidiaries have been recognized by the EPA with an ENERGY STAR Award. Saint-Gobain was awarded the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award in 2009 and 2010, but this is the first time the Company has attained the prestigious level of Sustained Excellence. Saint-Gobain's accomplishments will be recognized at an EPA awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

Recognized as a Global 100 Sustainable Company

Saint-Gobain recognized as a “sustainable” company – Saint-Gobain is now ranked in the Global 100 group of the one hundred most sustainable companies. The companies are selected from among those listed in the MSCI World Index, the Morgan Stanley Capital International global index that assesses company management in the light of environmental risks and opportunities, social issues, and governance. The ranking is published annually by the World Economic Forum in Davos (Switzerland). Created by Canadian magazine, Corporate Knights, the Global 100 is compiled by Innovest Strategic Value Advisors, a US firm of investment consultants specializing in the management of “non-traditional” risk.

Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index

For the first time ever, Saint-Gobain has been included in the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI) of the 51 top companies from the Global 500 (the world’s 500 largest companies) for the quality of the information provided regarding its CO2 emissions.

The Group is ranked 5th in the “industrial” segment. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which includes 534 international institutional investors, awarded Saint-Gobain a score of 89/100 in 2010 (up from 67/100 in 2009).

ISO Certifications and Quality Statement

All Saint-Gobain manufacturing locations in North America have completed ISO certification. Additionally, we are ISO 14001 certified in many of our facilities in recognition of the site’s environmental management system (EMS). ISO9000 and ISO140001 are the quality and environment management stardards as set by the International Organization for Standardization.

FSC Certified Products

Saint-Gobain utilizes FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper from well-managed forests, controlled sources and recycled wood or fiber in all stationary and business card products as well as many of our printed materials.

Recycling at Norton

At Norton, we've been serious about recycling since 1988, and it pays off. Click to see the list of some of the items we recycle, how recycling can save you money, and the awards we’ve won.

Environmental Sustainability - Go Green with Norton

At Saint-Gobain, it is a fundamental part of our business to maintain a healthy and safe work environment. This commitment extends beyond the well-being and safety of all our employees, to visitors and contractors while on-site.

We have developed a Contractor Management Program to communicate our expectations. In choosing contractors, it is imperative to consider various factors beyond cost, such as their company culture, EHS programs and reputation for quality of work, safety performance, and environmental practices. Contractors are given our Contractor Handbook and participate in a site-specific safety orientation.

Document Center

Being “green” also applies to how we market and advertise our products. Our objective is to move from printed literature to electronic formats so we reduce the number of sheets of paper consumed annually and make the information more quickly available on our web sites while eliminating obsolescence waste hitting landfills.

Packaging

Saint-Gobain’s Norton brand of abrasives products sold into retail are packaged with 100% recycled materials containing 25% post consumer waste. In addition, we have eliminated board waste in designing structures that don't require a full wrap of package.

Eco-Options

From product design and manufacturability, we continually explore many ways for improving our portfolio to include greener options. From dust extraction and reusable sanding sponges to chemical-free cleaning pads and cloths, we’re just getting started. Use these link for product exploration.

Norton’s non-woven pads are washable and reuseable and can be used with or without chemicals.

Micro-fiber cloths, mitts, and mop can be used dry or with water – no need for any harsh chemicals. Wash to reuse, up to 300+ times without losing cleaning and trapping abilities.