GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, is proud to announce that its Myerstown, Pennsylvania, plant is the first asphalt shingle plant in North America to achieve the Waste Diversion from Landfill certification. The industry-first certification was conducted awarded by GreenCircle Certified, LLC, the leading certifier of sustainability claims in products and operations. Waste Diversion from Landfill demonstrates an organization’s commitment to the responsible management of end-of-life materials. Operating at a high rate of efficiency, GAF's Myerstown, PA, shingle plant generates low levels of waste (less than 1% of the plant’s total output) and makes an effort to recycle its waste streams.
GreenCircle’s Waste Diversion Certification is based on a comprehensive review of all the plant’s material flows and downstream waste management. GAF is pleased to have achieved a waste diversion rate of 83%, meaning that more than 80% of the plant’s waste material is recycled. The certification provides a meaningful benchmark that will be used to drive continuous improvement. It is expected that GAF’s waste diversion rate will increase as it identifies additional recycling opportunities for challenging materials, such as non-woven glass mat.
As concerns over end-of-life material management increase, manufacturers are being called upon to lead the way and find innovative solutions. ”Waste Diversion from Landfill is becoming a critical sustainable performance measure for many organizations,” says Tad Radzinski, certification officer at GreenCircle. ”GAF’s industry-first certification signifies its dedication to sustainability and continuous improvement.”
The growth in the green building market is fueling a demand for honesty and integrity from building product suppliers like GAF. Third-party certification of sustainability claims is essential in establishing credibility and gaining consumer confidence. ”At GAF, we are committed to sustainability and transparency,” says Tim Machelski, GAF's senior vice president of manufacturing operations. ”Having our waste diversion rates reviewed and certified by a third party is a crucial part of our program, ensuring accuracy and reinforcing trust in our sustainability claims.”
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About GAF
Founded in 1886, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles, which then evolved with the introduction of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System by extending the Lifetime coverage beyond just the roofing shingles.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF developed Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology, providing superior durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of natural resources. The company also developed single-ply and asphaltic roofing membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.
GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel. For more information about GAF, visit gaf.com.