The Mayer Brothers corporate philosophy is—and has always been—to operate its facilities in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
Mayer Brothers is certified by Underwriters Laboratories as a “Zero Waste to Landfill” manufacturing site. Mayer Brothers currently leads the nation in the diversion of waste to landfill.
- In 2013, Mayer Brothers sent less than 2% of all materials leaving the facility to landfill
- In 2014, we exceeded that target with a 99% diversion rate and 1% Incineration with Energy Recovery
Our Underwriter Laboratories Case Study
UL’s Zero Waste to Landfill Validation Shows that Apple Products Manufacturer, Mayer Bros., Is Green to the Core
“Always setting the bar high with aggressive environmental standards, Mayer Brothers earned UL’s Zero Waste to Landfill Claim Validation to demonstrate to customers and the community their commitment to sustainability.”
Mayer Brothers is an industry leader in recycling, currently recycling 19 different commodities. We work closely with our suppliers to include recycled content in our packaging. There are even “closed loops” where suppliers take back any leftovers and damaged items from the manufacturing process to be recycled into new materials to be placed back into the supply chain.
Following the principles of REDUCE, REUSE, & RECYCLE has long been a company objective, and has enhanced the company’s ability to compete via cost savings and reductions, as well as ethical corporate stewardship. Broadly speaking, the environmental footprint of the Mayer Brothers facilities has decreased proportionally in spite of the company’s growth.
The advantageous location of our manufacturing facilities in Western New York minimizes transportation of raw materials, fruit, produce, and water. Working with local vendors whenever possible reduces CO2 emissions by reducing the need for transportation. Our extensive blow-molding (creating our own bottles) capacity further reduces the environmental impact of transportation. Listed below are some of the many green initiatives instituted over the years.
By participating with local waste removal companies to encourage the recycling of post-consumer waste by providing the additional volume to make their operations profitable, our recycle volume has consistently increased:
- 2012—more than 9,000 tons
- 2013—more than 12,900 tons
- [Add more years here for context]
Reduce
Mayer Brothers philosophy begins with REDUCE, where only the necessary and optimum amount of materials is used for the production of goods.
Reuse
The next step is to evaluate and find every possible opportunity to REUSE any materials in their current form. Much of the packaging material that supplies come in is used to gather other materials for recycling.
Recycle
The third step to find a method to RECYCLE the remaining items. Mayer Brothers employs a network of partners that can use these materials as feedstocks in the production of various marketable items.
Our Green Initiatives
The advantageous location of our manufacturing facilities in Western New York minimizes transportation of raw materials, fruit, produce, and water. Working with local vendors whenever possible reduces CO2 emissions by reducing the need for transportation. Our extensive blow-molding (creating our own bottles) capacity further reduces the environmental impact of transportation. Listed below are some of the many green initiatives instituted over the years.
- Reduction of the amount of plastic used in HDPE and PET bottles to current industry-recognized minimums without compromise of quality
- Application of laser-coding technology where applicable to reduce the amount of solvents used in manufacturing or disposal
- Pallet programs including on-site pallet refurbishment that reduces trucking, transportation, and wood waste, and allows for more efficient recycle of wood
- Use of synthetic food grade lubricants that reduce the amount of petrochemical waste
- A comprehensive heavy lubricant recycling program
- Application of new cutting-edge technology that reduces wastewater discharge and conveyor soaps
- Industry-leading recycling program that results in the recycling of virtually every bit of paper, cardboard, or plastic leaving the facility
- Elimination of aerosol sprays, propellants, and solvents (MEK, minerals spirits, toluene, CFCs, and VOCs), and use of solvents that are environmentally preferred products (EPP) containing no ozone depleting materials
- A partnership with ECS (Energy Curtailment Services) in programs that reduce energy consumption (lighting, peak reduction, electronics motor starting, variable frequency drives, etc.)
- Internally redesigning production and process expansions and upgrades, with energy and material conservation as a primary focus, including heating and cooling applications utilizing regenerative capacities
- Refocused core recycling contracts with local re-processors vs. material wholesalers