Manufacturing Today Issue - 233 Feb 2025 | Page 53

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ NP Aerospace
in landfills . This marks an improvement from the previous year .
“ We constantly strive to reduce waste in multiple ways . For instance , we aim to use materials with recyclable components , such as some of our Kevlar ® aramids , which we send to a company that repurposes them to reinforce rubber , tires and other products .
“ Furthermore , in collaboration with one of our key suppliers , Avient , who produces Dyneema ® UHMWPE polyethylene fiber composites used in our armour products , we are looking at how we can transition from petroleum-based composite materials to bio based ones ,” says James . “ Avient also has a very low carbon footprint and is actively developing circular solutions for Dyneema ® end-of-life recycling . As a partner to global Ministries of Defence it is important for us to work with suppliers focused on full traceability to ensure material origin is from trusted NATO countries . Security of supply is critical . You need to know where you are buying from , levels back in the supply chain and transparent manufacturing processes , as well as delivering lightweight , life saving protective products for your customers . It ’ s important to try and use as much raw material as possible which is made in NATO countries and has a low CO 2 footprint .”
Green initiatives
“ As we strive to further reduce our impact on the environment , we have also implemented water recycling practices , which have allowed us to recycle over 90 percent of the water utilized in our operations . This is particularly significant given that we are a heavy water consumer due to all the steam heating and water cooling involved in our processes . Our water recycling system effectively enables us to cool down and reuse the water , instead of letting it go to waste . Lastly , we are engaged in a variety of programs aimed at supporting our customers ’ green initiatives . For example , a couple of years ago , we helped develop ,
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