The Green Suppliers Network, managed jointly by U.S. EPA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST/MEP), leverages a national network of manufacturing technical assistance resources to remove institutional roadblocks greening the supply chain.
Baxter Healthcare, Herman Miller and Pfizer are just a few of the major manufacturers joining this group which "works to improve both environmental and economic performance at all levels of the manufacturing supply chain," as reported by GreenBiz.com. Thirty nine suppliers are part of the group whose goal, according the organization, is to "help suppliers continuously learn ways to save money, optimize resource use and eliminate waste through on-site technical reviews. The result -- manufacturers with higher profits and fewer environmental impacts."
GSN offers a number of programs including "Lean and Clean" in which Green Suppliers offer reviews which "combine environmental considerations and lean manufacturing techniques to enhance process efficiencies."
GreenBiz reports that the EPA has begun discussions with the aerospace and healthcare industries to replicate the GSN model. The agency says it is also reaching out to manufacturers of office furniture, appliances, farm and construction equipment, and consumer products.
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