EPA Names Mohawk to 'National Top 100 List' of Green Power Users for 10th Year

COHOES, NY—April 20, 2015—As the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day approaches, Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, continues to lead the paper industry in environmental and sustainable practices and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'National Top 100 List' of Green Power Users for the 10th year in a row.

Mohawk ranks 75th in the nation for green power use (as of Jan. 6, 2015) and has been named to the EPA 100% Green Power Users list for using wind power to meet 100 percent of the company’s electricity use. Since 2007, 100 percent of electricity used in Mohawk’s operations is matched with Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Mohawk ranks among other leading renewable energy purchasers including Microsoft, REI, Interface, NHL, Starbucks, Herman Miller and Apple.

The EPA National Top 100 list (PDF) represents the largest green power users within the Green Power Partnership. The EPA Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities.

"As a paper manufacturer, we have always understood that our dependence on basic resources such as water, wood fiber, and energy creates a unique responsibility for environmental stewardship," explained Michelle Carpenter, vice president, Environmental and Energy Stewardship, Mohawk. "We continue to examine each aspect of our business with the objective of minimizing our environmental footprint in every way practicable. Environmental responsibility is at the core of Mohawk’s culture."

Mohawk has also qualified for the U.S. EPA SmartWay Partnership, a program of the U.S. EPA designed to reduce transportation-related emissions by creating incentives to improve supply chain efficiency.

Mohawk efficiently transports paper products across the country on a timely basis, and the company’s logistics team is recognized for optimizing shipping methods and routes, and using biodiesel in the Mohawk truck fleet.

Last fall, U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko presented Mohawk Chairman and CEO, Thomas D. O’Connor Jr., with Congressional Recognition for Mohawk’s longstanding environmental commitment and 20-year partnership with Green Seal. Green Seal Certification is a process that ensures that a product meets rigorous performance, health and environmental criteria.

"Investing in green energy and a clean environment is critical to public health and a robust economy. I applaud Mr. O'Connor, and his entire team at Mohawk Fine Papers for their commitment to sustainability, local jobs and economic development in the Capital Region," said Congressman Paul Tonko.

Mohawk takes pride in the company’s numerous environmental partnerships and certifications, including longstanding alliances with:

• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership
• EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
• Center for Resource Solutions Green-e Marketplace
• Green Seal (celebrating a 21-year affiliation)
• The Rainforest Alliance
• The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Mohawk Earth Day 2014 Initiatives
Environmental commitment, social responsibility and corporate stewardship are woven into the fabric of Mohawk’s culture and business practices.

Mohawk will recognize Earth Day 2015 by encouraging employees to participate in the company’s fifth annual Earth Day clean-up. Employees at all Mohawk locations (Cohoes, Waterford and Albany, NY, and Saybrook, OH) will be encouraged to clean up parks, sidewalks, and other community areas in the vicinity of their workplaces.

As a leader in environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Mohawk’s portfolio of recycled papers is certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

For more information about Mohawk’s environmental and sustainable business practices, visit www.mohawkconnects.com/company/environment.

About Mohawk
Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are preferred for commercial and digital printing, photo specialties and high-end direct mail.  Mohawk fine papers and envelopes include the signature brands Mohawk Superfine and Strathmore, as well as proprietary treatments Inxwell and i-Tone. With a culture of innovation, Mohawk’s business model now extends beyond paper manufacturing into new areas of growth, including digital substrates, which connect designers and printers to new markets.

Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business based in Cohoes, New York, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Source: Mohawk.