Ergon President & CEO has contributed a LinkedIn article for Earth Day, highlighting Ergon’s efforts to support a circular economy and ensure a more sustainable future. Read the featured article below, and learn about Ergon’s efforts to continue Doing Right with our products, for our planet and by our customers and employees.

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By focusing on our part in the circular economy, Ergon is redefining waste as opportunity and stretching the idea of “end use” by constantly seeking to get the most value out of our products and raw materials.

At Ergon, our vision is to be the world’s preferred partner for innovative and specialized solutions that drive customer success. This vision is more important than ever as our customers face increased demand for solutions that deliver a more sustainable future.

In observance of Earth Month, I want to highlight Ergon’s commitment to Doing Right with our products, for our planet and by our customers and employees. I continue to be amazed at our team’s dedication to building a more sustainable future for generations to come, including our efforts toward creating circular economies. This concept ensures that our products are constantly being recycled and reused. For instance, used oil (from post-consumer use) can be re-refined and then used in lubricants. At the end of their use, the lubricants can again be sent for re-refining. This continual cycle reduces waste and other negative impacts on the environment and communities in which we serve.

Specialty Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Companies within our Energy & Specialty Solutions (ESS) business segment are committed to providing renewable and recycled materials to meet industry standards and customer needs amid a growing push for sustainable products.

To further our commitment to supporting a circular economy, Ergon’s Process Oils Inc. and Ergon Refining Inc. (ERI), our naphthenic refinery in Vicksburg, Mississippi, have obtained International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS. Ergon International is currently in the process of obtaining ISCC PLUS certification as well.

ISCC is globally recognized in the certification of sustainable feedstocks, acknowledging that an entire supply chain meets stringent sustainability requirements. For a business to obtain certification, companies must show traceability of ISCC-certified materials from procurement through their production and/or distribution along the supply chain. Suppliers and customers must also be ISCC certified, completing the circular economy.

Paving the Way
Through our Pavement & Coating Resources (PCR) business segment, Ergon provides solutions to enhance the performance of one of the most recycled materials — asphalt. Our preservation and maintenance product offerings include binders for various recycled asphalt treatments. These treatments reduce the amount of asphalt sent to landfills — thus contributing to the circular economy.

Through PCR’s laboratories and other partnerships, Ergon continues to research and develop technologies that make roads last longer and allow for a reduction in energy and emissions related to road construction. Additionally, due to the versatility of asphalt, our team is currently developing innovative ways to expand its use in other applications. Recently, representatives from PCR’s Crafco, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions (Ergon A&E) and our state-of-the-art laboratory, Paragon Technical Services, collaborated with the Ergon ESS company, Resinall Corp, to develop a product that allows asphalt roofing shingles to be recycled as opposed to being sent to landfills in the future.

PCR companies are also utilizing recycled tires as part of our roadway solutions, including Ergon A&E’s Hybrid Ground Tire Rubber Asphalt Mix and Crafco’s patented pavement sealant. Such solutions provide an alternative for end-of-life tires that keeps them from being sent to landfills as well.

Logistics of the Circular Economy
Storage and transportation are key components of the circular economy because products must make it to their final destinations to have an impact. Ergon’s strategic logistics network within our Integrated Services & Logistics segment ensures products are stored in facilities and terminals that meet regulations for quality control and are transported under rigorous standards in a timely manner. These measures are how we maintain the quality of the products, ensure safe handling from storage to transport, and help reduce emissions and other environmental impacts associated with supply chain management.

Coming Together
Ergon’s focus on a circular economy signifies a comprehensive approach to addressing both environmental and economic challenges. Through conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing landfill usage, we aim for a cleaner future to protect our communities. Additionally, Ergon continues to monitor energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, even committing to decrease carbon emissions by 25% by 2026 at ERI.

I am so proud of the Ergon family’s efforts in creating sustainable solutions. I am also incredibly thankful for our suppliers, partners and customers for their collaborative efforts in helping to foster a circular economy.

Together, let’s continue to make a meaningful difference for our planet every day.