TOTO USA is extending its sustainable initiatives by adding UPS’s new carbon-neutral shipping program, the first company to do so on a global level. The partnership allows the plumbing manufacturer to offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the transport of small package shipments within the U.S. The new UPS program buys offsets on TOTO’s behalf, which financially support environmentally responsible projects. These projects include reforestation, wastewater treatment, methane destruction, and landfill gas destruction, among others.
In addition, TOTO’s 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide have implemented the following eco-friendly efforts that are helping them approach “water neutral” status:
- Imperfect and damaged china is crushed for roadbed and construction.
- Post-industrial gray water is recycled to reduce potable water consumption.
- Kilns use pulse fire technology and reuse exhaust heat from the firing process.
- Green electricity from a gas-fired generator uses methane produced at a local landfill.
- Biodegradable soybean-based oils reduce reliance on carbon-based lubricants in all hydraulic systems.
- Plastics, aluminum, glass, cardboard, brass, pallets, and computer equipment are recycled.
- Water and electricity use is reduced to the minimum.
- Employees are encouraged to bring their recyclables to the plant if the city where they live does not provide recycling service.
- All TOTO facilities are ISO 14001:2004 certified.
