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Delphi Promotes Green Worldwide

Delphi Promotes Green Worldwide

Published 04-20-00

Submitted by Delphi Corporation

Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) is making innovative strides to protect the environment through creative business practices, new processes, and employee involvement initiatives.

"Delphi is fully committed to being an environmentally responsible company in every corner of the world where we do business,""said John Jaffurs, director, Delphi environmental services. "Earth Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on our accomplishments in this area, and to look for new ways to make a difference every day."

"Delphi's dedication to protecting our communities and the environment is evidenced by our 'up-front' environmental and Design for the Environment (DFE) initiatives," Jaffurs said. Focusing resources "up-front" in the product design phase provides opportunities to evaluate materials, processes and product design selections for environmental impacts prior to program release and provides guidance on how to best manage potential risks associated with the manufacture of new products. Examples of issues that are considered in the DFE process include the use of substances of concern, process effluents, recycled content and product recyclability.

Through the DFE process, Delphi's environmental and engineering teams are challenged to optimize resource utilization and minimize environmental impacts through every phase of the product life cycle.

Recent examples of Delphi's environmental accomplishments and activities include:

Emission Control Products Move Across Markets

This week, Delphi announced that it will be the first company to domestically supply complete catalytic converter systems in China. Delphi will supply the converters to Shanghai General Motors. The catalytic converters will be made in Shanghai by Delphi's new joint venture with Shanghai GuoZhong Industrial Co., Ltd.

Catalytic converters capture pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen from engine exhaust streams and convert them into carbon dioxide.

Delphi Named Recycler of the Year by Plastics Organization

The world's leading plastics organization named Delphi "Recycler of the Year" in 1999, marking the first time and automotive-related company has ever won the award. Presented by the Society of Plastics Engineers, the awards are given annually to showcase companies who have demonstrated leadership in advancing plastics recycling in their industry. The award was presented for Delphi's development of a 100 percent recyclable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) skin instrument panel.

New Processes Lend to Cost and Resource Savings

In Europe, Delphi announced today that it has developed several automotive wiring recycling processes that address increased concern from the European market regarding the disposal of end-of-life vehicles. A team of engineers from Delphi's Technical Center in Wuppertal, Germany, developed processes for recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation, connector housings and flexible printed circuits in automotive wiring. The processes, patented by Delphi, prevent cross-contamination during the recycling process, promote reuse of PVCs and polymers, and allow full reclamation of the metals used in the harnesses.

Delphi sees potential economic and environmental benefits in broadening its recycling processes. The harnesses of the 9 million vehicles scrapped annually in the European Union contain approximately 90 metric tons of copper, 35 metric tons of PVC and 20 metric tons of polymers, representing a potential value of more than $200 million annually. Delphi currently organizes the collection of harness scrap from its European plants, which results in approximately 400 metric tons of recycled PVC annually.

Mexican Government Gives Delphi Prestigious Environmental Awards

In March, the Mexican Government renewed the "Industria Limpia" (Clean Industry) Award to 28 Delphi facilities, recognizing the company's efforts in that country to implement the best environmental practices. Since 1994, Delphi has participated in the voluntary certifications as a signal of its corporate commitment to protect human health, natural resources and the global environment.

Employee Involvement in the Community

In Anderson, Ind., Delphi and UAW Local 662 recently contributed $5,000 to help restock the White River with fish. Delphi and UAW employees have also volunteered to assist the local Department of Natural Resources with the restocking effort this spring.

In addition, Delphi employees in Dayton, Ohio will assist in the clean-up of 37 miles of the Miami River. Delphi, a founding contributor of the Great Miami River Cleanup program, will mark its 10th consecutive year as a participant.

In Kokomo, Ind., more than 2,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students went on a scientific odyssey through the JASON project using advanced telecommunications equipment provided by Delphi and EDS. Founded by world-famous explorer and oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, the JASON Project is a year-round scientific expedition designed to excite and engage students in science and technology. The Delphi/EDS supported program allowed students to "explore" Iceland and the rain forests of Belize via live satellite.

ISO 14001 Registration

Since January, Delphi has registered nine facilities to the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14001 environmental specification, and has several facilities that have been recommended for registration. ISO 14001 is an international environmental management system that integrates business practices with environmental goals to control impact on the environment while promoting productivity and reduction of waste.

Delphi now has 38 sites registered or recommended for ISO certification; the company's goal is to have all facilities registered by the end of 2001.

Delphi's newly registered facilities include operations in Douai, France; Bangalore, India; Milwaukee; Brookhaven, Miss.; Cottondale and Gadsden, Alabama; Kokomo, Ind.; and two facilities in Warren, Ohio.

Delphi Teams Recognized for Environmental and Energy Accomplishments

Delphi recently honored 31 teams from its facilities around the world for their environmental and energy preservation efforts in 1999. The internal program recognizes employee for their leadership in material use reduction, waste prevention, cost savings, innovation, transferability, improving energy efficiency, and reducing energy usage and environmental impacts.

Teams were recognized for collectively reducing more than 320,000 pounds of raw material use, more than 824,500 gallons of water, 57 million pounds of waste, nearly 11,000 pounds of VOC (volatile organic carbon) emissions, and more than 400 million pounds of emissions.

Delphi Corporation

Delphi Corporation

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