SFS Tackles How to Produce Metal Products Sustainably

By SFS Group USA, Inc.

Learn about the 10 year sustainability plan SFS Group USA, Inc. has established to minimize their environmental impact.

Conquering the challenge of how to be sustainable in the metal fabrication industry can seem impossible. But SFS, a company that produces hundreds of thousands of metal screws per day, is working hard to prove otherwise. They began by committing to a 10 year plan in 2022, which created strict guidelines to help them reduce their carbon footprint and be a leader in the green movement. To prepare for and execute this plan, they intently studied their production lines, researched available technology and tracked the waste in and out of their property.  

The results 

It is no secret that coke fuel, a form of coal that heavily contributes to air pollution, is commonly used in the steel industry. To combat the use of coke fuel and other associated fossil fuels, SFS has begun implementing renewable electricity sources into their production process. Most recently, they converted their manufacturing plant in Durant, Iowa, to solar power. Here, the plant will be able to function 100% on self produced, renewable electricity. Pioneering this technology for metal screw production is exciting. To help shed light on the importance of this step, SFS filmed a short documentary that you can watch here. 

SFS also felt that one of the best ways to identify areas for sustainable improvement was to seek input from their manufacturing workers. To achieve this, they created incentives for their workers, who work directly with the machines and packaging lines, to identify areas for improvement. Several plant workers were able to identify the excessive use of parchment paper in their paint production line. The employees’ ingenious solution was to replace the use of parchment paper with reusable Teflon mats. This allowed SFS to no longer consume over one ton of parchment paper annually. Another observation that was made by SFS manufacturing employees was the unnecessary plastic liner inside boxes of raw screws. SFS was able to discontinue these liners and the results were staggering: 9 tons of plastic will be removed from use every year!  

What can you do? 

One of the best ways to understand where your company/you as an employee may be over consuming is to track & investigate. You will likely discover small changes that will have a huge environmental impact.  

Consider: 

• Separating out your trash/ recyclables as much as possible.  
• Discuss excess packaging with suppliers and other companies; you can refuse certain toxic packaging like unrecyclable plastics, Styrofoam, etc.  
• Reduce your printing; research software that allows information to be stored virtually instead of physical filing.  
• Create incentives/provide education that will help your employees care too! 

It takes time 

Sustainable change and innovative ideas like this don't happen overnight. To become sustainable starts with intentional research, employee incentives and education. SFS would love to be your partner in this industry as you tackle sustainability. Work with SFS and know that your products were made with the Earth as a priority! Check out SFS today. Many of our plants do their own recycling on site, from breaking down plastics, to compressing cardboard.