Shin-Etsu Silicones of America, Inc. (SESA) is engaged in many projects to reduce waste and air and water pollution.

For example, in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Restoration Act (RCRA), we have installed a triple rinse station for empty pails and drums. Rinsing the containers allows us to rinse and recycle our metal containers that previously contained hazardous materials, rather than disposing of them. We have also initiated a collaboration with an external partner to recycle a portion of silicone materials that otherwise would have been wasted. In addition, by properly managing our solvent-soaked wipes, we have exempted them from hazardous waste regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has reduced disposal costs and achieved significant cost savings.

To prevent air pollution, we have replaced acetic acid, which was used as a neutralizer in our reactor unit for fluorosilicone rubber production, with CO₂, thereby contributing to the removal of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The drainage area has also been retrofitted with new cement gutter drainage pipes to prevent and reduce stormwater pollution. We have also added an oil barrier around a transformer and are power washing around the campus to remove oily buildup and reduce leaching into the storm drains.

SESA acquired ISO14001 certification at all manufacturing sites on April 2025. We have been implementing environmental impact reduction activities beyond the legal requirements, and in 2023, we received an award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, as well as high praise from the EPA.

SESA educates employees about environmental conservation efforts by prioritizing education of our employees through monthly training. The more our employees know and understand about environmental protection, the more they are able to think critically about their own impact. We also provide environmental protection training to contractors every year. SESA also utilizes a digital bulletin board to display custom content, including environmental protection topics and cleanup notices. In addition, SESA has an incentive program to reward employees for their suggestions for environmental contributions, ensuring that all SESA employees are involved in improving environmental performance.

There are many environmental issues and themes in the forefront of the United States of America, especially surrounding the new administration taking office and the reconfiguration of priorities. We therefore stay up to date with any new or updated requirements by staying involved with external committees such as the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication and the Summit County Safety Council, as well as subscriptions and newsletters. This ensures we are always aware of changes and can remain compliant with all federal, state, and local requirements.

SESA is constantly growing and expanding its production output, which requires the input of more resources. We therefore employ supplier questionnaires and contractor vetting forms to ensure we are ethically sourcing our materials. Moreover, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, we are slowly replacing some of our older equipment with newer models for a cleaner, more efficient process.

SESA has ingrained sustainability into our company culture. From the top down, every employee contributes something to our sustainability journey, bringing us step by step closer to becoming carbon neutral.