Mapei’s long-standing commitment to the environment extends to its facilities, products and processes—from minimizing waste to maximizing use of recycled materials. The primary focus of its research and development efforts is to formulate ecologically sustainable products and systems that meet customers’ specific needs. As a benchmark company for social responsibility and an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Mapei takes green-building practices seriously.
12 shades of Mapei’s greenness• A history of commitment: Since the 1980s, long before the need for healthier products was recognized, Mapei introduced a line of water-based, low-solvent adhesives.
• BioBlock technology: This Mapei technology has been incorporated into select products to help protect them from mold and mildew.
• Dust-free technology: Products containing this innovative Mapei technology benefit from a 90% reduction in the amount of dust released during their production, pouring, mixing and use—which contributes significantly to improved air quality, a cleaner environment and cleaner jobsite.
• LEED-compliant products: Mapei invests 5% of its annual revenue into research and development of LEED- ompliant, environmentally friendly products. Mapei manufactures more than 110 LEED-compliant products, the flooring industry’s largest selection.
• Green Label Plus certification: This voluntary industry-testing program for carpet and adhesive products establishes high standards for improving indoor air quality. Currently, 23 Mapei carpet adhesives have been approved for Green Label Plus certification.
• Environmentally focused research and design: Mapei directs 70% of its R&D efforts to formulating ecologically sustainable solutions that maximize environmental and indoor air quality, and have low VOC content as well as a high percentage of recycled components.
• Energy-saving strategies: Ongoing efficiency goals at Mapei’s plants focus on producing the same amount of product with less energy usage and less waste.
• “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” strategies: Mapei’s manufacturing plants in the Americas use about 4% to 10% by weight of recycled post-industrial materials. Ultralite Mortar’s recycled content is even higher—containing more than 20%.
• Shipping strategies: By shipping efficiently and manufacturing products near customers, Mapei reduces fuel use and minimizes transportation-related pollution.
• New green construction: New Mapei plants are being designed and built to achieve LEED certification.
• Green education strategies: Mapei’s agenda of educational programs for the American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education System includes presentations on LEED.
• Global environmental management: MAPEI has adopted an environmental management system according to ISO 14001, which works to minimize the negative impact of its operations on the environment.
