thyssenkrupp site in Hamilton USA

Leading the change for a greener tomorrow: thyssenkrupp BILSTEIN’s Hamilton plant inspires as a sustainable workplace

The thyssenkrupp BILSTEIN site in Hamilton, USA is making great strides in their sustainability efforts with several ongoing projects. At thyssenkrupp Automotive, we know that sustainability is not just a buzzword – it's the turbocharged engine that will drive us towards environmental protection and a brighter tomorrow.

The 3-Phased Sustainability Approach

In the 3-phased approach, the BILSTEIN plant in Hamilton wants to achieve environmental sustainability at their site. The first phase was already carried out in 2022 and included the carbon neutrality in the plant’s operations. Whereas the second phase concentrates on a zero waste to landfill target until 2024. The share of waste to landfill should achieve 0% in June 2024. But that's not the end of the road. Our ultimate destination? Carbon neutrality across the entire supply chain by 2035.

Further sustainability projects have been carried out in Hamilton such as a landfill waste reduction project, which concentrates on eliminating the open top containers at the BILSTEIN Logistics Center that are used for non-returnable dunnage.

Not to mention our site in Hamilton is joining forces with suppliers and customers, creating a collaborative convoy towards carbon neutrality. With every step we take, we are leaving a smaller carbon footprint and blazing a trail towards a more sustainable future.

Conquering emissions

The reduction of Paint Line volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions has been a significant focus for the Hamilton plant Paint Engineering team. Through their efforts, the Paint Line VOC air emissions have been reduced by 15% during the annual thyssenkrupp Environmental Data Collection for FY 21/22. This marks a 37.6% reduction since 2019, a remarkable achievement. The team achieved this by reducing paint usage and optimizing the conveying process, which brought the dampers closer to the paint applicator. This reduced the amount of paint applied, lowered the paint flow rates and improved the transfer efficiency. The team is currently working on a 5% stretch reduction.

Zero Waste Wonderland: Journey to Landfill Extinction

Zero Waste Wonderland: Journey to Landfill Extinction

Display no more garbage to landfill

Another sustainability project our automotive Hamilton site is actively working on is the "zero waste to landfill." The goal is to overall reduce landfill waste to 12% until September 2023 and by June 2024, we are aiming for the big zero. In October 2022, 24% of the waste from Hamilton went to the landfill, currently that is down to 16% with education and changes, such as the removal of personal deskside trash cans.

Alternative Recycling solutions

Recycling is a very important step towards a greener tomorrow. Not all items can be placed in recycling bins and will have to be alternatively recycled. That is why educating employees on the materials and segregating the items once they know what they're made of is essential for a cleaner and smooth recycling process.

The importance of awareness on the way to greater sustainability is underlined by kicking off composting in Hamilton: the team started composting coffee, coffee filters, fruit peels, and other food waste. Next up, the project will continue with the addition of composting paper towels and changing to compostable cups and utensils. Another step on the way to "zero waste to landfill"!

The BILSTEIN plant in Hamilton stands as a shining example of our dedication to sustainable practices. In fact, these approaches can serve as a good example and even help lead the way to a more sustainable work environment. It's time to kickstart the engine of change and create a brighter, greener tomorrow.