General Motors (GM) is turning its employees’ recycled water bottles into a new life.
They’re turning those bottles into noise-reducing fabric insulation that covers the Chevrolet Equinox engine. The bottles, collected from five of its Michigan facilities, are also being turned into air filtration components and insulation in coats for the homeless community.
Given its drive to zero waste, all of GM’s facilities recycle their water bottles. However, the bottles collected at the 5 locations are now funneled into its “Do Your Part” project, where 11
businesses collaborate to give them a second life. The air filtration components are used in GM facilities to protect air quality; the insulation goes into Empowerment Plan coats that turn into sleeping bags.
“Recycling is good, but viewing waste as a valuable resource that can be plugged into your operations or products is even better,” said John Bradburn, GM global manager of waste reduction. “It’s about rethinking the process and finding more sustainable ways to manufacture products.”
Published in the May 2016 Edition of American Recycler News