Schupan receives recognition for sustainability

The Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) has honored Kalamazoo, Michigan-based Schupan as one of its 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Businesses of the Year.

The MiSBF promotes practices that drive climate leadership, social justice and a circular economy. As the state's leading sustainability organization, MiSBF brings together a community that includes top employers, innovative entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates across Michigan.

The company says this recognition reflects Schupan's belief that sustainable business practices benefit the environment and strengthen the company's bottom line. Schupan has demonstrated that zero-waste events and lower-carbon aluminum supply chains can be achieved in Michigan by advancing a circular economy through innovative materials management, strategic infrastructure investments and industry-leading practices.

Schupan's ongoing infrastructure investments and dedication to sustainability have been integral in supporting the efficient operation of Michigan's bottle bill system. The company says these improvements align with its core sustainability initiatives, providing hundreds of millions of pounds of high-quality, low-carbon aluminum to the marketplace each year. Schupan says its facility upgrades also have reduced energy consumption and enhanced green stormwater infrastructure, further contributing to a healthier, more resilient Michigan.

"You never go wrong doing the right thing, and the right thing for Schupan is helping our employees, communities and the world we live in," CEO Marc Schupan says in his video acceptance. "Thank you to all the industry leaders and members in the forum for your continued efforts to grow and advocate sustainability. Together, we're building a more sustainable future and we are excited to be part of what comes next."

Founded in 1968, the family-owned company has been committed to sustainability and innovation. As a leader in sustainable materials management, manufacturing and trading, Schupan provides recyclable materials as valuable resources for global markets. Schupan says it aims to positively impact its communities and uphold recycling transparency for superior, low-carbon aluminum sourcing.

The company recently invested more than $40 million in two aluminum shredding and sorting facilities in Kalamazoo and Logan County, Kentucky, near several of the company’s large consuming customers.

The 100,000-square-foot facility in Kalamazoo uses shredding and sorting technology to prepare lower grades of obsolete aluminum scrap to supply billet makers and coil producers, while the Kentucky plant focuses on preparing used beverage cans.