MSA Launches World's First "Green" Hard Hat in North America
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130926/NE87482-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130926/NE87482-b )
Unlike conventional hard hats manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sourced from nonrenewable petrochemicals, the V-Gard GREEN hard hat from MSA is manufactured using "green" HDPE sourced entirely from sugarcane ethanol. Developed by MSA in
"By developing a hard hat sourced from sugar, we are effectively reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with the life-cycle of this product," said
Just like MSA's market-leading, traditional V-Gard hard hats, the V-Gard GREEN protective hard hat meets the company's rigorous performance standards as well as those defined by ANSI Z89.1 and CSA Z94.1. "The sustainable benefits of using 'green' HDPE in a hard hat are what initially captured our interest," Mr. Beck said. "But at the end of the day, the hard hat has to provide the same high level of head protection that our V-Gard brand is known for around the world. That's what makes this product option so attractive."
Green high-density polyethylene is also 100 percent recyclable in the same stream as conventional HDPE, making it suitable for reuse in non-safety products and further enhancing the sustainability benefits of the new hard hat. Like traditional V-Gard hard hats, the new V-Gard GREEN hard hat will be marked with a recycling label to further remind and educate users to recycle their helmet at the end of its use cycle.
In recognition of MSA's leadership and innovation in head protection,
The MSA V-Gard GREEN hard hat is being launched in the midst of steady growth in the green building industry. According to an industry report released earlier this year in collaboration with the
"With the rise in green building and construction projects in general, this is an opportune time to introduce an alternative, sustainable safety hard hat that also helps to reduce carbon emissions and demand for fossil fuels in product manufacturing," says Mr. Beck. "With millions of hard hats manufactured and sold annually in
The technology to produce this new helmet was deployed at MSA's
MSA will manufacture its V-Gard GREEN hard hat at the company's
About MSA
Established in 1914, MSA is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in a broad range of industries, including the fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, mining and utilities, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus; fixed gas and flame detection systems, handheld gas detection instruments, head protection products, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through a joint venture with MCR Safety. These products are marketed and sold under the Safety Works® brand. MSA, based north of
SOURCE MSA
Mark Deasy, MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company), (724) 741-8570