Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products announced that their global line of wheel products are now Cradle to Cradle certified at the silver level, resulting from material choices and production processes that are environmentally safe and healthy and aluminum that is infinitely recyclable.
According to Alcoa, the company's wheels are the first products in the transportation industry to receive certification from the Cradle to Cradle certified Program – “a factor that can be attributed to the uniquely sustainable characteristics of Alcoa aluminum.”
The evaluation of Alcoa wheels was conducted by MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemisty), a global sustainability consulting and product certification firm that developed the Cradle to Cradle concept in 1995. This multi-attribute eco-label assesses products for safety to human and environmental health, design for future use cycles, and sustainable manufacturing processes. Products are evaluated for material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship and social responsibility.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Alcoa, our business practices and our products, and something we strive for excellence in,” said Tim Myers, President, Alcoa Wheel & Transportation Products. “With an increased interest in sustainable solutions within the transportation industry, this certification is a landmark recognition of our efforts to ensure that each of our customers receive the most safe and environmentally-conscious products we can provide.”
With an ever-growing focus on sustainable solutions, the Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Product Program has become an important resource for companies like Alcoa to communicate their sustainability efforts. To date, MBDC has certified more than 425 products in various industries and 125 companies worldwide have engaged in the Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM program.
“An industry leader in sustainability, Alcoa has achieved Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Silver for a number of other products, including Alcoa primary aluminum,” said Jay Bolus, Vice President of Technical Operations, MBDC. “This latest certification demonstrates that Alcoa wheel products are pioneering the way for more sustainable solutions within the transportation industry.