The award was announced on 25 March by SGIA. From that date to Earth Day 2019 on 22 April, SGIA will conduct a social media campaign that highlights the winners as global leaders in the development and implementation of sustainable business practices.

In 2018, Aurora implemented the first full year of a massive manufacturing overhaul that involved investing over US$ 1 million in new equipment and software designed to significantly reduce Aurora’s environmental impact. The programme also involved spending millions more retrofitting and redesigning the new plant with sustainability upgrades. This included integrating state-of-the-art sustainability measures throughout the company’s facilities, operations and manufacturing processes, and retraining of employees at all levels.

Becoming sustainable business

“Aurora’s accomplishments in this area are a testament to the dedication required to accomplish goals directed at becoming a sustainable business,” said Michael E. Compton, Chair of the Advisory Council, Sustainability, Safety, Health and Personnel at SGIA. “The Sustainable Business Award recognises the achievements involved with improving business efficiency and reducing the environmental impact.”

Aurora’s investments in next-generation sustainability technologies are consistent with its overall philosophy, according to Mark Shaneyfelt, Director of Sales and Marketing for Printable Textiles at Aurora. “We apply the same innovative approach and commitment to the products that we make and the customers we serve as we do to sustainability,” he said. “We pride ourselves in being progressive in all phases of our business.”

Recognition

SGIA is the trade association for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing industries looking to grow their businesses through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by SGIA for the commitment Aurora has made to reduce our environmental impact while improving our business efficiency,” commented Marcia Ayala, Vice President at Aurora. “We have been dedicated to adopting processes and technologies that are both state-of -the-art and sustainable. We embraced the challenge and are committed to continuing to find new, innovative ways to both improve our business and promote global sustainability.”

Next-generation technologies

Aurora’s new state-of-the-art, North American manufacturing operation is strategically equipped with next-generation bleaching, finishing, fabric skewing and coating technologies.

In the plant Aurora changed all lighting to LED lighting, which is energy-efficient, long-lasting and reduces landfill waste. Annual water usage is currently 50% less than the amount of water used annually four years ago. Aurora has realised a 50% reduction in natural gas consumption and 10% reduction in electric consumption versus four years ago. That reduction in natural gas and electricity consumption represents an annual reduction of 4,134 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That is the equivalent of 465,178 gallons of gasoline per year or 4,523,015 pounds of coal burned.

www.auroratextile.com