NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. (May 28, 2008) — Quabaug Corp. has won an award for its efforts to conserve energy and resources, and for reusing rubber scraps and shavings.
The North Brookfield firm is one of nine companies, and the only manufacturer, operating in Central Massachusetts chosen by the Worcester Business Journal for demonstrating superior levels of commitment in becoming more environmentally responsible.
Quabaug, which makes Vibram soles for shoes and boots, also has taken steps to find other niche markets such as QuaBoing a surfacing product for outdoor applications; Vibram pet performance products, a line of safe, durable rubber pet toys; and Vibram Hoof Pads for the farriers market.
Among the green initiatives the firm has taken in the last several years to improve the plant's efficiency include a new water system, saving the company more than 28,000 gallons of water per week, reusing the water to cool rubber, thereby reducing the amount of water going into the local sewer system.
The firm also has cut its energy costs by taking advantage of incentives offered by National Grid to update lighting throughout the manufacturing facility and offices.
Quabaug said its new products help reduce the amount of rubber waste going into landfills by producing loose and tile rubber surfacing products.