A New Way to Recycle
Recycling has become an integral part of most people's lives. We take pride in doing our part to keep cans, paper, plastics and other materials out of the local landfill to be reused in other products.
Now there are waste-to-product companies who are taking recycled materials to another level. Here are a couple of examples:
- Foss Manufacturing
Foss Manufacturing creates its Eco-Fi fibers from clear plastic bottles. These fibers are used by other companies to make accessories, clothing, rugs and car seats.
The benefit of their technology is that it diverts thousands of pounds of plastic bottles from landfills to useful purposes. The company has been featured on CNBC and the History Channel for its innovative use of recycled materials.
- Baker Commodities
Baker Commodities is a grease removal and recycling company that recycles yellow fryer grease for use as biodiesel and ingredients for cosmetics, soaps and paint.
Companies like Baker have a bright future because "Yellow Grease" is readily available and is a traded commodity which is experiencing strong price growth on the agricultural exchange. The growth of this industry will keep millions of gallons of grease out of our water systems and the environment.
Recycling Waste to Products Creates Jobs
My point in introducing these companies is not just promote use of recycled materials but introduce some of the professionals who are behind the development and production of these products.
These are some of the hottest jobs.
- Corporate Environmental Managers
They use life cycle assessments to find out where their companies can cut resource usage and reduce or reuse wastes. In these analyses, they are identifying waste-to-product opportunities which are bringing new streams of income and reducing landfill waste.
They also work with regulators to ensure the proper approvals and permits are in place to reclassify wastes as raw materials.
- Marketing/Product Development Managers
Normally they match a product's capabilities to the market demand. However, the development of waste-to-products calls for a triple bottom line thought process.
Marketing managers have to show how their new product makes a profit, benefits people and the planet. In the case of our example companies, the planet benefits from recycled waste products and both companies produce well paying jobs
- Technicians and Operators
They
run and maintain the equipment needed to manufacture and move the product to the market. These positions may require degrees or advanced industry sponsored training. In any case, these jobs can have a long-term impact on local communities.
Other Companies are Getting into the Act
These two companies are not alone in developing wastes into products in their businesses. Other companies and even governments are exploring how to turn their wastes into new products and energy sources.
Bottom Line
The major issue all these employers face is finding qualified workers. The demand is growing. Are you interested? Are you ready?
© Copyright, 2011, Stephen Hinton. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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Stephen Hinton, Stephen Hinton is the Managing Director of Hinton Human Capital, a Talent Acquisition and contract staffing firm focused on the green, environmental, and infrastructure industries. information, visit Hintonhumancapital.com.
