Page 229 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

206 Cha pte r T e n

Cat machines and engines back to their original, like-new
condition at the end of their first useful life. Using this pro-
cess, dealers reuse or recycle virtually all the original machine
content, substituting Cat Reman and new parts for compo-
nents that do not meet the Certified Rebuild criteria.
• In addition to remanufacturing and serviceability, Caterpillar
is also focused on the upgradability and modularity of its
products. For example, an Upgrade-to-New Program is avail-
able for specific products, allowing customers to purchase
new products and return the core from old products. The core
is then remanufactured and returned to the marketplace as a
remanufactured component.
• Product take-back criteria for the remanufacturing program
are provided to all dealers via simple and concise Core Accep-
tance Criteria. These guidelines explain how to inspect the
cores for damage, such as cracks, and provide detailed instruc-
tions for dealers to check each core accurately and consis-
tently. Dealer training is also provided to ensure that dealers
are proficient in applying the criteria.
• Caterpillar has invested heavily in systems and processes to
manage product take-back for its global remanufacturing
program. The company’s proprietary, web-based Core Man-
agement Information System provides real-time information
regarding core receipts, core deposits, and logistics tracking
for Cat’s global distribution system and its dealers.

3M: Responsible Innovation

A History of Environmental Leadership
The 3M Company is a $24 billion diversified technology company
serving a broad range of markets including consumer and office, dis-
play and graphics, electronics and telecommunications, health care,
security and protection, and transportation. Headquartered in St. Paul,
Minnesota, the company has over 75,000 employees in more than 60
countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is recog-
nized as a perennial source of innovative technologies, many incor-
porated into its well-known consumer brands, such as Scotch, Post-it,
Scotch-Brite, Scotchgard, Nexcare, and Filtrete.
According to Keith Miller, Manager of Environmental Initiatives
and Sustainability, 3M has made impressive progress in reducing its
corporate environmental footprint. Between 1990 and 2007, the com-
pany achieved a 95% reduction in absolute volatile air emissions, 95%
reduction in absolute U.S. Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) releases, 62%
reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions, and 61% reduction
in solid waste indexed to net sales [2].