Environment and Safety.
A Deeper Commitment.
It’s one thing to say that OMNOVA Solutions’ policy is to operate our facilities and conduct business in a manner that protects the safety and health of our employees and preserves and protects the environment. This is certainly what we strive to do. But our commitment amounts to so much more than a statement of policy.
Environmental stewardship and safety are fundamental aspects of our business, from plant operation to product design.
Responsible Care
OMNOVA Solutions is a member of the American Chemistry Council and for over 10 years, OMNOVA’s Performance Chemicals business has been an active participant in the chemical industry’s Responsible Care® program. Responsible Care® companies have formal programs in place to measure performance, improve processes, reduce waste and emissions, ensure environmental compliance and maintain a dialog with customers and the public. It’s a continuous journey and a responsibility we take very seriously.
Less Waste, Cleaner Process
OMNOVA’s vinyl calendering facilities recycle the majority of their manufacturing waste back into the process. Many of the products we make in these plants have a high degree of decorative content applied through rotogravure printing. We have dramatically reduced the use of traditional solvent-based inks in our coloring systems in favor of environmentally-preferred water-based and reformulated printing inks. This transition presented a significant technical challenge, but it was the right thing to do.
It’s also important to point out that the long life cycle, inherent durability and low maintenance requirements typical of vinyl provide advantages in extended usability, thus reducing the effect on landfills and minimizing waste.
Environmentally-Preferred Products
Close customer relationships allow us to match our product design and development efforts with expressed needs and wants. This has resulted in a number of new products with an environmental focus, including:
- GREENGUARD INDOOR AIR QUALITY CERTIFIED® commercial wallcoverings with reduced VOC emissions.
- Wallcoverings featuring ECORE™ Advanced Wall Technology offer all the performance of traditional Type II wallcoverings in a non-PVC construction. These wallcoverings are 100% recyclable, low in VOC emissions and use water-based inks. They are made from patented EVOLON® nano-structures which are produced using a low energy manufacturing process.
- PolyFox® fluorosurfactants which can replace materials that contain or degrade to PFOS or PFOA.
- Low VOC and ammonia-free carpet latex.