Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products on Thursday, May 24, announced that its global line of wheel products are now Cradle to Cradle Certified at the Silver level, resulting from material choices and production processes that are environmentally safe and healthy and aluminum that is infinitely recyclable, a factor that can be attributed to the sustainable characteristics of aluminum.
The evaluation of Alcoa wheels was conducted by MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry), a global sustainability consulting and product certification firm that developed the Cradle to Cradle concept in 1995. This multi-attribute eco-label assesses products for safety to human and environmental health, design for future use cycles and sustainable manufacturing processes. Products are evaluated for material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship and social responsibility.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Alcoa, our business practices and our products, and something we strive for excellence in,” says Tim Myers, president of Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products. “With an increased interest in sustainable solutions within the transportation industry, this certification is a landmark recognition of our efforts to ensure that each of our customers receive the most safe and environmentally-conscious products we can provide.”
With an ever-growing focus on sustainable solutions, the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Program has become more important to companies to communicate their sustainability efforts. To date, MBDC has certified more than 425 products in various industries, and 125 companies worldwide have engaged in the Cradle to Cradle Certified program.
“An industry leader in sustainability, Alcoa has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver for a number of other products, including Alcoa primary aluminum,” says Jay Bolus, vice president of technical operations for MBDC. “This latest certification demonstrates that Alcoa wheel products are pioneering the way for more sustainable solutions within the transportation industry.”
