Employee Q&A: Managing Waste and Caring in Rio Claro

Rhea-AI Summary

Rafael Correa, Operations Manager at Owens Corning's Composites plant in Rio Claro, Brazil, has been instrumental in implementing waste reduction initiatives. The plant focuses on internal reuse of pallets, repairing and reusing them instead of discarding. These initiatives, developed using the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology, have significantly reduced waste and contributed to environmental conservation.

Correa emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment and thinking about future generations. He believes that small actions towards sustainability can have a significant impact. Owens Corning supports waste management efforts by being open to new ideas and providing necessary support. The company also encourages collaboration between plants, allowing for the sharing and improvement of ideas, such as exploring ways to reuse waste in melters.

Positive

• Implementation of waste reduction initiatives at the Rio Claro plant
• Use of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology for environmental conservation
• Company-wide support for waste management efforts
• Collaboration between plants for sharing and improving sustainability ideas

Negative

• None.

Our people making a difference is a series featured throughout Owens Corning's 2023 Sustainability Report.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 5, 2024 / Owens Corning
Rafael Correa, Operations Manager

As the Operations Manager at our Composites plant in Rio Claro, Brazil, Rafael Correa is able to do a great deal to increase our positive impacts. Although Rafael has been with Owens Corning for just under two years, he has been instrumental in a number of important initiatives to reduce waste. In addition to taking on sustainability responsibilities on the job, Rafael is also an advocate for reducing, reusing, and recycling at home. He is proud of the work Owens Corning is doing to manage waste, and he shares some of his plant's recent accomplishments here

On recent waste management initiatives at Owens Corning

We have implemented numerous initiatives aimed at reducing and reusing waste. One initiative focuses on the internal reuse of pallets; we repair and reuse them when possible instead of discarding them. These initiatives, developed using the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology, have resulted in significant waste reduction and contributed to environmental conservation.

On the importance of caring for our environment

It is important that we are not only thinking about the moment, but that we are also caring about the future, because natural resources are limited. I would like for everyone to have the same resources, the same access to fresh air, water, and all the other things that we have today. When we talk about sustainability, we must be committed in terms of how we care for ourselves now and the next generations. When we do this, both inside the company and outside the company, we can increase the potential benefits of the things we do, and we will have a better planet as a result. I believe that every small action that we all take towards sustainability can have a significant impact, and that is what will truly make a difference in the future of our planet.

On our company's emphasis on collaboration throughout the organization

I think we are very well supported by Owens Corning in our waste management efforts. If we have an idea that will help reduce waste or help improve the environment in other ways, the enterprise is always open to hearing about it. If we can prove it's a good idea, they will provide the support we need.

There's also a lot of collaboration, where we can discuss ideas with people from other plants, improve on those ideas, and then implement them. For example, we have worked with people at other plants who are trying to take waste and reuse it in melters. This opened our minds about how we can use our waste here at our plant. If it weren't for these collaborations, we might never have thought about this. I think that's something that makes Owens Corning different.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Owens Corning on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Owens Corning
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/owens-corning
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Owens Corning

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What waste reduction initiatives has Owens Corning (OC) implemented at its Rio Claro plant?

Owens Corning has implemented initiatives focused on the internal reuse of pallets, repairing and reusing them instead of discarding. These initiatives, developed using the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology, have resulted in significant waste reduction.

How does Owens Corning (OC) support waste management efforts across its plants?

Owens Corning supports waste management efforts by being open to new ideas from employees, providing necessary support for implementation, and encouraging collaboration between plants to share and improve sustainability initiatives.

What is the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology used by Owens Corning (OC) for waste reduction?

The Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodology is used by Owens Corning to develop waste reduction initiatives. This approach has contributed to significant waste reduction and environmental conservation at the Rio Claro plant.

How does Owens Corning (OC) promote collaboration for sustainability across its plants?

Owens Corning promotes collaboration by facilitating discussions between employees from different plants to share ideas, improve upon them, and implement new sustainability practices. For example, plants have collaborated on exploring ways to reuse waste in melters.