Cascades will offset all the electricity used to manufacture Cascades’ North River brand of commercial towels and tissues for restrooms with wind-generated energy. The company says it is the first EPA Green Power Partner in the market made with 100 percent renewable electricity.
Starting June 1, 2008, Cascades’ purchase of 11,000 megawatt hours of RECs from Community Energy reduces its carbon footprint by preventing the release of 6,800 metric tons of CO2 or approximately 15 million lbs. This is the equivalent of not driving a car for 17 million miles or planting 1.85 million trees, according to the company.
According to Cascades, it is the only producer of tissue products that comply with the SMMI (Sustainable Manufacturing and Marketing Initiative) guidelines and to have PCF (Processed Chlorine Free), Green Seal and EcoLogo certifications. The company processes 2.8 million short tons of recycled fiber every year and 77 percent of the raw material used to manufacture its products comes from recycled fiber.