Q: Does Glen Raven have a sustainability strategy?
A: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the makers of Sunbrella® brand fabrics and other performance textile offerings, is committed to continuing innovation in the creation of durable, easy-care products, while also serving as environmental stewards. Our mission as a corporation and our strategic business initiatives are based on the belief that these goals are mutually supportive and attainable in both the short and long-term.
Consistent with our Corporate Environmental Policy, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics "is committed to the continued delivery of the finest performance outdoor, decorative and industrial fabrics in a manner that will minimize the impact on our communities, environment and resource stream while continuing to drive superior business value for our stakeholders and customers."
In order to achieve this mission, we have adopted a three-pronged strategy that includes the elimination of waste throughout our processes and supply chain; employing relevant metrics to measure our performance with third-party verification of data; and moving toward more environmentally friendly processes, components and product impact through product lifecycle analysis. While we pursue this initiative through these three strategies, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics will in no way compromise product performance, service, or safety that our markets and customers demand and expect.
The first strategic element, elimination of waste during manufacturing and product fabrication, is not only environmentally beneficial, but also financially and socially responsible. The result is a more efficient operation that reduces demands for valuable resources. We are reducing waste throughout our company with projects that identify and eliminate elements in the waste stream and by maximizing the efficiency of our various manufacturing and operational processes.
The second strategic element in our sustainability initiative is the use of metrics and outside verification of data to measure our performance in producing quality products while protecting the environment. Our commitment to measurement means that we review process and product specifications against actual performance; inventory raw materials and justify their product value enhancement; insist on outside audits to verify our data; and promote transparency with all of our stakeholders.
In our third element, we are committed to understanding every aspect of the lifecycles of our products, from manufacturing through application and ultimately in reclamation and reuse. Our commitment to lifecycle analysis requires that we define how each product "promise" is delivered by every component; that we understand potential environmental, health, and waste impacts of each component; that we seek out the most environmentally friendly solution or material that delivers on our brand promise; that we engage our suppliers in understanding the impact or risk in upstream components; and that we develop opportunities for downstream reclamation and reuse.
Sustainability means conducting our business in a manner that preserves and reduces impact on our resource streams, environments and communities in which we operate and our products are used. A further component will be to ensure the long term viability and success of our products and Brands for all of our stakeholders. Glen Raven Custom Fabrics will not compromise product performance, service, or safety. Additionally we reinforce our commitment to generate fair finacial return for ourselves and our trade partners. This pledge requires that we engage our associates and our supply chain partners in relentlessly pursuing performance solutions that will support these commitments.
Ultimately, Glen Raven's commitment to sustainability in the 21st Century is a commitment to redefining and broadening our performance measurements. Financially, we will be more efficient in how we use resources and always diligent in mitigating risks. Environmentally, we will minimize the impact of our products and processes, and socially, we will adhere to safety standards that go well beyond mere compliance. We are confident that this approach will elevate our presence in today's environmentally sensitive global community and enhance the value of all of our brands.
