US company Rockline reaches major conservation milestone

Rockline Industries, one of the world's leading manufacturers of coffee filters and consumer, medical and commercial wet wipes, has announced a 36 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at its Arkansas plants as a result of a comprehensive sustainability strategy that included participation in Southwestern Electric Power Company's, (SWEPCO) Renewable Energy Choice programme. SWEPCO provides renewable energy to the company's Booneville and Springdale, Arkansas plants from its three wind farms in north-central Oklahoma.

Rockline Industries made a long-term commitment in 2008 to adopt more sustainable business practices. In 2020, the company renewed its commitment to sustainability with its most ambitious and aggressive sustainability goals yet including a pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent within a decade. In addition, Rockline committed to sourcing 60 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources. As a result of Rockline's participation in the Renewable Energy Choice programme, greenhouse gas emissions were reduced 36 per cent across the company, it said in a press release.

"Over the last fifteen years, I have been continually inspired by the commitment of our associates to achieve and exceed our sustainability goals," said Randy Rudolph, president of Rockline Industries. "Our progress in this area is due to their daily hard work to ensure that every area of our company is using best practices that help our environment and the world we all live in."

Notably, associates at the Booneville, Arkansas, plant collaborated with SWEPCO's energy efficiency team. Through meticulous analysis, audits, and the implementation of best practices, SWEPCO supported the Booneville team by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption by an impressive 7.4 per cent, surpassing their 5 per cent goal.

Rockline's Springdale, Arkansas, team also harnessed the benefits of SWEPCO's energy efficiency programmes over the years. Both plants are current participants in SWEPCO's strategic energy management programme, which resulted in significant energy savings of more than 1,558 megawatt hours at both locations.

"We're excited to help businesses discover ways they can benefit from our energy efficiency programmes or be powered by AEP and SWEPCO's renewable energy choice programmes," explained Paul Pratt, director customer services and marketing. "We're proud our partnership and support helped Rockline achieve their sustainability goals."

Rockline adopted a range of energy conservation measures including the installation of timed sensors for restroom lights, the implementation of shut-off timers for conveyor belts and education for employees on energy conservation practices, the release added.

Rockline's sustainability approach is guided by three overarching long-term aspirations: achieving fossil fuel independence through a transition to clean, low-carbon energy sources; minimising waste and its environmental impact; and developing ecologically intelligent products that are sustainable.