EL CAJON, CA - Taylor Guitars, a manufacturer of acoustic and electric guitars, was among 1,200 businesses recognized by the California Integrated Waste Management Board as part of its Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP).

Awarded in the category of “Manufacturer – Musical”, the WRAP awards acknowledge California businesses that show considerable commitment and reduction in the amount of waste produced annually, as well as recognize innovative uses for previously discarded materials, employee education and recycled product procurement.

“These businesses are aggressively tackling waste reduction through innovative business practices,” said WRAP Board Chair Margo Reid Brown. “Having exceeded our 50 percent waste diversion mandate, California is looking for resourceful approaches to divert the remaining materials going to landfills. Businesses like these, who create opportunities for waste diversion, will be at the forefront of a more sustainable California.”

Waste-reduction achievements by Taylor Guitars in 2007 included:

• 35 tons of cardboard - 95% of the company’s total volume were recycled. The other 7 tons were reused in various ways throughout the factory.

• More than 20,000 pounds of paper was recycled in 2007. Other recycled and reused materials included plastic wrap, used printer toners, electronic equipment and grass trimmings.

• All oil and coolant products used in the factory and in manufacturing were recycled.

•Scrap wood and sawdust was converted into particleboard and mulch leading to its 100% reuse.

• Select pieces of scrap wood were donated to a local woodworking association to be transformed into toys for orphans in Tijuana, Mexico. Read more.