By Ecore International
A feature piece from our Winter 2024 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication.
Ecore International has grown from its humble founding as a small cork manufacturer in 1871 to become a global leader in circular rubber flooring solutions. With deep roots in Pennsylvania, Ecore is committed to innovation in flooring and creating eco-friendly solutions.
Today, Ecore diverts over 430 million pounds of rubber waste annually from landfills, transforming tires and other reclaimed materials into high-performance surfaces used worldwide in fitness centers, playgrounds healthcare facilities, hotels and more.
Ecore expanded its materials focus in 1965 from cork to rubber, recognizing the potential for sustainability in reusing this resilient material. The company’s current approach centers on “rubber circularity” – a process that not only uses recycled rubber but ensures it can be reclaimed and reused repeatedly.
Ecore’s circular model begins with extensive partnerships across diverse industries, including transportation, tire maintenance and construction. By collaborating with these sectors, Ecore reclaims 430 million pounds of rubber annually in the form of materials that would otherwise be discarded such as used tires and playground surfaces. The collected rubber is sent to Ecore’s state-of-the-art facilities, where it’s transformed into over 1,500 different products.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its manufacturing practices. Ecore’s facility in York has earned UL Platinum Zero Waste to Landfill certification, the highest designation awarded to plants that consistently achieve a landfill waste diversion rate of 100%. By manufacturing in the U.S., Ecore reduces carbon emissions and energy usage associated with long-distance product transportation.
Ecore products are designed with durability, safety and comfort in mind. “Circularity means we don’t see an end of life for rubber; it’s reintroduced into the product cycle,” says Rich Willett, president of flooring and industrial at Ecore.
Ecore surfaces offer unique benefits like sound absorption, slip resistance and comfort –essential in high-traffic environments such as hospitals, schools and athletic facilities. These products not only enhance physical comfort but also contribute to quieter, safer spaces, ideal for communities and commercial spaces alike.
Ecore’s dedication to circularity is evident in its TRUcircularity take-back program, which reclaims end-of-life rubber products for repurposing, ensuring materials are reused repeatedly. Customers can return used Ecore flooring, which is then reprocessed into new materials, further closing the loop and keeping rubber out of landfills.
To further its ambitious goals, Ecore recently appointed Shweta Srikanth as its first Chief Circularity Officer. “What Ecore is doing in achieving 100% circularity on rubber is unprecedented,” Srikanth says. “Our goal is to lead the way in sustainable manufacturing and inspire other companies to embrace circular design.” Srikanth’s role underscores Ecore’s position as a pioneer in rubber circularity, guiding the company’s long-term vision and expanding its influence within the sustainable manufacturing industry.
Ecore’s transformation from a local manufacturer to a global leader in sustainable surfaces exemplifies its dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation. Through relentless innovation, Ecore’s relentless approach to innovation demonstrates how local ingenuity can drive significant environmental progress on a global stage.
Visit the Ecore International website here!
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