The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the OSRAM SYLVANIA fluorescent lamp plant in Versailles, KY for joining the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP) and committing to reduce the elemental mercury content of its linear fluorescent lamps significantly. The EPA formed the NPEP to pursue the goal of reducing the use or release of 31 highly toxic, priority chemicals—including mercury—found in America’s manufacturing processes.
EPA regional administrator Jimmy Palmer, said, “We commend the company for its commitment to reducing the level of this priority chemical in its lamps. Voluntary partnerships like this are an essential way of advancing environmental protection.”
“We continue to step up our efforts to reduce the amount of hazardous materials through the entire lifecycle of our products,” Charlie Jerabek, president and CEO of OSRAM SYLVANIA said. “SYLVANIA is currently reducing mercury levels for its OCTRON® 800 series by 50%, followed by a substantial reduction in our 700 series. Initiatives like these save over three-quarters of a pound of mercury for every million lamps produced.”
“Environmental sustainability and stewardship is a commitment that goes well beyond our products,” Jennifer Dolin, environmental marketing manager for OSI’s General Lighting division, said. “It’s a responsibility we integrate into product design, production, distribution, and sales to use fewer natural resources, save energy, reduce emissions and recycle,” she added.
Today SYLVANIA markets over 800 environmentally preferable ECOLOGIC products. It also is a three-time winner of the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award from the US EPA and US Department of Energy.
