That's an excellent and very important question. We believe transparency about our environmental impact is crucial. Providing a single, universal number for the carbon footprint of one of our steel outdoor trash cans is complex, as it depends on the specific model, size, and transportation distance. However, we are committed to sharing our methodology and the steps we take to minimize this footprint.
The majority of the carbon emissions come from the steel production phase. The great news is that our trash cans are primarily made from recycled steel. Using recycled content significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to using virgin ore, as it saves about 60-75% of the energy required.
Furthermore, our manufacturing process is optimized for efficiency. We use precision laser cutting to minimize material waste, and any steel scraps are collected and sent back for recycling. Our powder-coating finishing is a low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) process, which is better for the air quality and has a lower environmental impact than traditional liquid paints.
We are also actively working on powering our factories with renewable energy sources. While we are not yet at 100%, a growing portion of the energy used in production comes from solar and wind power.
Finally, we consider the entire product lifecycle. Our trash cans are built to be incredibly durable and long-lasting, which means they won't need to be replaced for many years, reducing the overall environmental impact per year of use.
In summary, while a precise figure requires a detailed lifecycle analysis for each product, we can confidently say that through the use of recycled materials, efficient manufacturing, and a focus on durability, we strive to make our steel trash cans a responsible choice for your outdoor spaces. We are continuously investing in technologies to make this footprint even smaller.