Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Subaru are the four latest automobile manufacturers to become members of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, joining current members GM, Chrysler and Ford, the group said.
The partnership between car manufacturers, their suppliers and the EPA aims to provide a forum to work towards environmental protection and provide value through the automobile supply chain. The more than 40 members include companies in the chemicals, technology, recycling and components sectors.
The organization has several work groups to address industry issues. Its energy and water work group focuses on the use of more efficient technologies, practices and services. The partnership’s materials efficiency work group addresses ways to optimize packaging, reduce waste, promote reuse and maximize recycling.
Two other groups address chemical issues and technology and networking.
The initiative’s technical assistance workshops have used guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership, funded by the EPA.
The Board of Directors representatives from the new companies include:
• American Honda Motor Co Inc.: Ichiro Sakai, Assistant Vice President
• Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.: Jake Welland, Materials Development Manager
• Nissan North America Inc.: Yasumi Nakamura, Manager, Environment, Government Affairs
• Subaru of America Inc.: Brian DeAscentiis, Regulatory Activities Manager
Other current partnership members include Albemarle Corporation, BAE Industries, Denso, Goodyear, Johnson Controls and Quaker Chemical.