ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

RW Hardware products contain high levels of recycled and recyclable material. Steel used in the manufacturing of RW Hardware products contains 40% recycled content from post-consumer and post-industrial sources.

Meanwhile, lifetime product warranties confirm the company’s pledge to manufacture long-lasting products of premium quality. Product packaging employs bulk pack techniques to minimize the use of corrugated and wood supports. All corrugated material includes 20% recycled content. Corrugated and wood supports used for shipping are recycled, and can be removed from job site to a recycling facility.

SOLAR-POWERED PRODUCTION

Our 365,000-SF Aurora, Illinois facility is now 99.8% powered by solar energy, cutting our annual carbon emissions by about 485 metric tons of CO2 and making our operations more sustainable than ever.

NON-EMISSIVE FINISHES

Our products’ metal surfaces are covered with a polyester powder coat, Gloss-Tek™, that is heated and fused to the material’s surface. Since the powder is inert and not carried in a volatile solvent, harmful vapors are not released into the atmosphere. This powder coat is 100% non-emissive, contains no formaldehyde, methanol, or other solvents—completely friendly to artifacts, specimens, and documents.

Additionally, any powder that does not adhere to the product upon application is recycled and used again. No volatile organic by-products are released when baking. No hazardous waste is generated in manufacturing

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING

RW Hardware’s environmental practices are integrated into all aspects of manufacturing. Over a decade ago, our company was one of the first manufacturers in the storage and filing industry to convert to a non-emissive coating process. There are no ozone-depleting substances used in the manufacture of our products. A closed loop cooling water system re-circulates and conserves water resources. Our operation does not contaminate storm water or release contaminants into the ground water. When new products are proposed, the environmental effects of new machinery are first considered to ensure they are aligned with our environmental commitment.

AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT FACILITY

Today, RW Hardware’s manufacturing facility is more energy-efficient than ever. We transitioned from traditional lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, reducing our annual carbon footprint by about 999 metric tons of CO2. We also replaced our entire roof system across our 365,000-SF facility, installing a white insulated roof designed to reflect sunlight and lower heating and cooling needs. This roof reduces RW Hardware’s carbon footprint by about 152 metric tons of CO2 per year.

RECYCLE, RENEW

All scrap steel is recycled, reducing waste. This also diminishes the requirement for smelting of new materials, further reducing demands on the environment. Our recycling program includes all scrap steel, corrugated, and wood material. A company-wide recycling program ensures that employees are sensitive to environmental concerns, appropriately disposing of scrap paper and recyclables.