Positive Environmental Commitment
Addressing environmental change is one of the greatest challenges in achieving a sustainable future. At Rahco, our commitment to the principles of sustainability is fundamental to who we are, embedded naturally in our culture of relentless pursuit of value creation for customers.
Utilizing flashless mold technologies, low-waste or wasteless and energy efficient processes, we can address performance challenges and deliver higher-quality parts that are better for both the environment and our customers’ bottom lines. While we celebrate these concepts, we must also acknowledge the implications of a systemic issue inherent in all manufacturing, or any operation for that matter: the fact that production also drives waste, burns energy, and threatens climate change.
As the use and importance of rubber continues to increase, a focus on waste management is paramount. As of 2017, U.S. post-consumer rubber and leather waste disposal exceeded 9.1 million tons — and with exception of approximately 40% (thanks to the advancements made in recycling rubber waste from tires), virtually all non-tire rubber products are discarded into landfills and some materials can remain stagnant for hundreds of years.
As a leading provider of custom-molded rubber parts, we understand this impact. Here’s how our focus on highly-engineered, precision rubber components translates into sustainable manufacturing…
Achievement in Waste Reduction
Rahco Rubber, Inc. was recognized for its corporate environmental initiatives to reduce solid waste in support of ISO 14001 objectives from January through December in both 2021 and 2022.
By utilizing the Sorbits® System, including launderable, reusable textiles, and managed service programs, Rahco Rubber eliminated 6,092 lbs. of waste oil absorbents in 2022 and 3,393 lbs. in 2021.
“Rahco is a recognized leader in sustainable manufacturing. What is best for our customer should also be best for the environment — and we look forward to working and collaborating with all of our value chain partners to contribute to a sustainable world.”
– Steve Anton, President of Rahco Rubber
What’s Best for Our Customer Should also Be Best for the Environment
Rahco is very focused on mitigating residual molding waste with every mold and production process we design, helping minimize the amount of rubber waste that is transported to the landfill. We utilize the most economically beneficial and waste eliminating molding processes, via state-of-the-art injection mold systems, flashless and ultra-low waste transfer molding, compression, vacuum, conventional transfer, insert substrate overmolding and valve gate molding.
Waste Prevention & Sustainable Rubber Molding
Maximizing Material Yield through the Eco-Efficient Use of Advanced Flashless, Wasteless Mold Design and Manufacturability
Flashless Wasteless molding is one of the greatest improvements in rubber molding — and new techniques have made the process even more efficient. While the initial reason was obviously to save compound, it also has shown to cut cycle times due to heating less rubber compound in each heat due to the absence of a rubber pad — all of which has a positive environmental impact.
Flashless Waste Free Molding
Cold Runner Manifold Systems
Cold Pot Transfer Molding
Understanding Material Impact
Energy Efficiencies & Reusable Resources
Diligent Focus on Reducing Carbon Footprint through Energy Savings, Reusable and Clean Technology
As an environmental advocate, Rahco works diligently to reduce its carbon footprint and landfill impact. In addition to advanced, sustainable molding capabilities, our production delivers operational efficiencies with shorter startups and shutdowns, as well as quicker cycle times for a reduction in energy and eco-friendly processes that extend beyond the molding process. For example, after molding the part, we often aren’t finished. Everything from energy required to extract parts, to mold cleaning, to de-flashing (if needed), to secondary operations and beyond — Rahco looks to drive efficiencies every step of the way.