February 4, 2009—Minwax, manufacturer of wood finishing and wood care products, recently announced a new Commitment to Environmental Responsibility initiative in a statement posted on the company’s Web site. From formulation through manufacture and beyond, the Minwax Company says it has put a special emphasis on reducing its environmental impact.
Minwax, part of Sherwin-Williams Wood Care Products, provides a full range of environmentally responsible products that deliver beauty and protection to wood surfaces, while reportedly meeting or even exceeding the most stringent environmental regulations. In addition, Minwax is taking steps to minimize the environmental impact by:
- Providing a range of products, including those that are low-VOC and which help achieve LEED credit toward green building standards;
- Using sustainable raw materials in products, such as linseed and soya oils, whenever possible;
- Utilizing recycled and recyclable materials in packaging, when possible, including up to 25% recycled steel, 10% post-consumer, in metal cans;
- Reducing the amount of solvent in low-VOC formulas to lessen the vapors emitted into the atmosphere;
- Formulating many products to clean up easily with soap and water, rather than with harsh solvents. Many products are now low odor to help improve indoor air quality;
- Reducing the waste produced in manufacturing processes, and implementing energy-efficient methods in plants. This includes recycling and reuse of materials in manufacturing processes and the use of fluorescent lighting in facilities; and
- Incorporating streamlined distribution processes, helping to conserve fuel, energy, and other natural resources.
