21~(st) Century Prototypical Industry for Competitiveness, Stewardship, and Community

摘要

American manufacturing industries have been under pressure from overseas manufacturers for competitiveness. There is a desire to seek a manufacturing model that would be both competitive economically and protective environmentally. The prototypical 21st Century industry by Mr. Ray Anderson of Interface, Inc. is presented as a possible model. A prototypical 21st Century industry is service-based, resources efficient, wasting nothing, cyclical in manufacturing, based on solar energy, and connected to the suppliers, customers and community. It is also competitive, and grows at the expense of 20th Century competitors who remain committed to the old paradigm. It is social responsible and responsive, not only doing its part as a good corporate citizen but also provide leadership for a sustainable community. Mr. Anderson devised a pathway towards sustainability called the Seven Fronts for Sustainability. The Seven Fronts include Eliminating Waste; Eliminating Harmful Emissions; Using Solar Energy; Closing the Loop on Materials; Efficient Transportation for People and Goods, Sensitizing Stakeholders, and Re-defining Commerce. Three companies that have made progress along the Seven Fronts for a prototypical 21st Century industry are presented as case studies for the model. Bentley Prince Street of the City of Industry, California is a carpet manufacturer, and it has practiced the Seven Fronts for Sustainability the past ten years. It is a division of Interface, Inc. Wastes have been reduced by over 80%, and