Sustainability

 

Growing Green

We will reduce our environmental footprint, even as we sustain our business and the communities in which we live and work. At Southwire, we recognize that our success depends on the conscientious use of the finite resources of our planet, and we maintain a deep commitment to responsible growth and actively integrating environmental priorities into our core operations.

2025 Carbon Zero Goal

In July 2020, Southwire announced a goal to achieve 100% zero carbon energy for our operations by 2025 (2018 baseline). This objective—coined Carbon Zero—will address our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Southwire will achieve this goal through eco-efficiency projects to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of green energy—including owned or leased renewable energy sources, purchased green power and renewable energy credits and carbon offsets.

In pursuit of Carbon Zero, Southwire will engage and build partnerships with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders to collaborate and reduce our carbon footprint. Read more on our Carbon Zero web page.

Renewable Energy

In February 2021, we broke ground on a 100,000 square-foot Southwire Continuous Rod (SCR®) plant in Carrollton, Georgia, with the capacity to produce more copper rod than any other SCR rod system in the world. The new facility will support our Carbon Zero initiative through an energy partnership with the Carroll EMC utility to provide 100% renewable electricity for the facility.

Circular Economy

At Southwire, we recognize the advantages of materials management and a lower environmental footprint for company success. To help lower our footprint, we incorporate recycled materials into our product design, manufacturing and packaging operations. In addition, we focus on increasing our recycling efforts and expanding material reuse strategies at the end-of-life in line with circular economy principles.

Our wire and cable packaging team frequently includes Southwire’s five core sustainability tenets in the design and improvement of our products. In 2021, they teamed up with a local recycling company to transform over three million pounds of scrap plastic from wire insulating compound into raw materials for repurposed products.
 
 
 
 

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EHS Policy and Principles

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Global Supplier Sustainability Manual

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Sustainability News

12 for Life® Partners with Independent Electrical Contractors to Offer Electrician Certification to Students

March 15, 2023

Southwire’s 12 for Life® is pleased to partner with the Independent Electrical Contractor’s (IEC) Atlanta and Georgia Chapters to provide a Skills-Based Electrical Installer Program to its students.

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Southwire’s Project GIFT to Host Walk for Water in Carrollton

March 16, 2023

Nearly 2.2 billion people in the world lack access to safe water. On Saturday, April 15, Southwire’s Project GIFT is partnering with Water Mission for its second-annual Walk for Water - raising awareness and funds to help address this global issue.

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Southwire Accelerates Change for the Future with Formula E

March 06, 2023

Southwire is pleased to announce that it will be the Official Wire and Cable Provider of Formula E, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) racing.

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Southwire Signs Letters of Commitment for the Copper Mark

February 08, 2023

Supporting the company’s ambition to be a leader in sustainability, Southwire has signed letters of commitment for the Copper Mark, affirming its commitment to the responsible production of copper.

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Southwire’s El Paso Plant Reapproved as a VPP Star Site

January 17, 2023

Southwire’s plant located in El Paso, Texas, has been reapproved as a Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star site from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

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Southwire Partners with Spring Health to Provide Mental Health Benefits

December 07, 2022

As the company seeks to sustain a culture that acknowledges the importance of mental health and wellness, Southwire has announced a partnership with Spring Health, a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

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Sustainability Report Downloads