Americhem officials said the firm "aims to set an example in local communities by supporting sustainable programs like these." Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters added that participating in the EcoSmart Choice program "highlights Americhem's commitment to using renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprint."
Joining the program will allow Americhem to eliminate about 750 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. Officials said this amount equals the amount of carbon sequestered by 875 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
"At Americhem, we view this initiative as a step forward in our sustainability journey," global sustainability leader Lauren Lutikoff said in the release. "By embracing renewable energy solutions, we're not only reducing our own carbon footprint, but also actively supporting the growth of Ohio's renewable energy sector."
She added that Americhem is seeking to implement similar programs across all its global facilities. The firm's Controlled Polymers A/S unit in Ribe, Denmark, also is operating on all renewable electricity through and wind power.
Earlier this year, Americhem was awarded a Silver EcoVadis Medal for sustainability efforts. That result places the firm among the top 15 percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis, an independent rating agency that assesses environmental, social and ethical performance across various industries worldwide.
Americhem is an Operation Clean Sweep member, with many of its U.S. sites pledged to achieve zero resin pellet, flake, and powder loss to keep materials out of marine environments. Americhem plants use recycling-compliant packaging, collaborating with customers for the reuse of packaging materials including plastic drums.
In products, Americhem has developed technologies that empower customers to attain sustainability. Solution dyeing, a technology used in carpet and textile production, eliminates excessive water usage and reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional dyeing processes. Americhem's flagship additive masterbatch concentrate—nBalance—allows post-consumer materials that have a yellow tint to be restored to visually resemble virgin PET.
Americhem employs more than 900 and is one of North America's 30 largest compounders and concentrate makers, according to Plastics News data.
