The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has announced that it will introduce the Green Manufacturing Award, which will recognize the best innovation or novel solutions by a manufacturer in the industry to positively impact the environment. This could be defined in many areas, including material utilization, design advancement, process or equipment improvements and reduction in emissions.
NATM has partnered with PPG Industries, Inc., which has pledged to be a founding sponsor. Their initial financial support reflects PPG’s commitment to improving the environment. Other sponsors are welcome to join the effort.
The application for the Green Manufacturing Award is available on the NATM Web site. The first award will be presented at the 2011 NATM Annual Convention & Trade Show to recognize “green” improvements during the 2010 calendar year. Criteria for the award include being an NATM trailer manufacturing member in good standing and providing verifiable documentation of a “green” initiative or improvement at their manufacturing plant.
NATM trailer manufacturing companies will be judged on case studies where the companies have been able to demonstrate improved performance in environmental manufacturing. This may include maximizing energy efficiency levels, compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing waste from the production process. Manufacturers should be able to illustrate success in reducing their environmental impact, as well as converting green manufacturing into a business opportunity.