The USEPA designated Crown, located in New Bremen, Ohio, as a Waste Minimization Partner, one of only 27 in the country. Crown substantially reduced the amount of hazardous waste by eliminating the chromium from paint formulations. Additional waste minimization occurred because of the installation of the powder painting operation. This equipment has reduced the generation of waste paint sludge and air emissions.

USEPA Chicago - Environmental Specialist Janet Haff presented Crown Manager - Energy, Environment and Industrial Hygiene Brian Duffy with a plaque recognizing Crown’s efforts, complimenting the company on having the vision to be active in waste minimization and taking an active part in this voluntary program.

"To earn this type of accomplishment, it really takes a lot of different people and departments working together," says Duffy. The award compliments the many people responsible for achieving the waste minimization goals.

Crown will continue to further minimize waste in the manufacturing operations and employees are encouraged to contact their supervisors concerning waste minimization or pollution prevention, according to Duffy.

The award marks the second significant environmental award received by Crown. Previously, the company received the Governor's Award in 1992, for Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention from then Ohio Governor George Voinovich. One of only eight award recipients, Crown earned the nomination because of its achievements in pollution prevention, its local leadership as a role model for other industrial generators, and its demonstration of the feasibility of pollution prevention.