Supporting the Environment on Earth Day 2018 and Beyond!
Leave a CommentEarth Day 2018 is just around the corner on April 22nd. This annual event led by the Earth Day Network (EDN), dedicates itself to recognizing and celebrating the natural environment. With a focus on the protection of our precious planet, this event spans worldwide as the biggest civic-focused day of action. This year marks the start of EDN’s multiyear campaign called End Plastic Pollution.
Why and How Is Single-Use Plastic Problematic?
Single-use or disposable plastic refers to objects typically used only once, such as water bottles, bags, packages, and straws. These types of items risk the Earth’s ecosystems as over 8 million tons of plastic are tossed into oceans every year.
While plastic is a useful resource, it is unnecessarily wasted in everyday applications such as those cited above. Not only can plastic in our food alter human hormones, but it can also choke natural habitats, poison wildlife that find it, and more. These are big reasons why this year’s EDN platform is to regulate plastic pollution, as well as informing and educating people, governments, and companies worldwide about how to control and improve plastic pollution.
Recycling Responsibilities as Manufacturers
Making the most of recycling efforts involves manufacturers worldwide committing to using more green materials, as well as designing and producing more recyclable products and packages. We wholeheartedly believe in reusable resources and sustainability. This outlook is one our company as a whole share – both employers and employees alike. For example, we recycle all materials used, such as cardboard packaging, the rubber in our moldings, and excess manufactured goods.
Reusing Plastics and Contributions to EVs
UP&R uses reusable plastics to manufacture dependable extruded parts. Reusing plastics extends their lifespan, without compromising quality. We also use sustainable packaging. Our parts come in returnable and reusable plastic packaging to reduce product waste, energy, and resource consumption.
Lastly, we craft non-conducive rubber for many all-electric vehicles. EVs are a major eco-environmentally sustainable effort that aligns with Earth Day initiatives as they have no direct emissions. They have a well-to-wheel emissions advantage over conventional autos running on gas or diesel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Caring for the Earth and Our Customers
Universal Polymer & Rubber takes pride in not adding extra waste to the environment. We care for the Earth not only on April 22 but the 364 other days of the year too. Customer service is also integral to our company and has been key to our operations since we began in 1970. Our product lineup includes durable compression moldings, injection moldings, and transfer moldings, all made with sustainability in mind and your unique needs taken to heart. Contact us today for your next project.
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Tariffs Impact Small and Mid-Size Businesses in the U.S.
Leave a CommentIn recent weeks there has been much talk about President Trump putting tariffs on a wide range of products. Initially, there are two industries that will be greatly impacted: steel and aluminum.
Inflation could soon be hitting raw materials which will impact packaging, transportation, cargo, the supply chain, automotive OE supply chain, and general manufacturing. Rising prices will greatly impact Japanese automakers, but on the home front, small and mid-size manufacturing companies may see the biggest challenges moving forward, as they have less room in their budget for losses.
Consumers are likely to resist the cost increases that companies will be charging. Many millennials who haven’t seen increases like this may been surprised by how quickly things are changing. This type of tidal wave can disrupt all aspects of business and at each level of the supply chain. These changes need to be addressed with small and mid-size businesses before the impact is too great to bounce back from.
As a leader in custom manufacturing for polymers, rubber, and molding, Universal Polymer thinks small and mid-size manufacturing and mom and pop shops need to be prepared themselves for the changing trade climate. Finding ways to counteract the tariffs is imperative to stay alive in today’s market as other countries fight back against these policies.
Universal Polymer & Rubber is a leading manufacturer of rubber extrusions, plastic extrusions and rubber moldings including compression moldings, transfer moldings, and injection moldings. To stay up to date on issues affecting manufacturing and to learn more about us, we invite you to read our blog, follow us on Twitter, connect with us on LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook. To learn more about how we can help you with the right product for your project, we invite you to contact us today.