From Waste to Resource: Andersen's Bold Steps in Recycling and Sustainability

Andersen is proud to announce significant advancements in its waste reduction initiatives. Through innovative recycling programs, improved waste sorting and strategic partnerships, Andersen is making substantial progress towards reducing waste to landfill.

Be Inspired. Recycled materials displayed on factory floor

Be Inspired. Recycled materials displayed on factory floor

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Andersen has successfully implemented vinyl and glass recycling programs that significantly reduce waste. By repurposing these materials, the company is minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing to a circular economy. Looking ahead, Andersen is committed to expanding these initiatives, continually seeking innovative ways to enhance sustainability and further reduce environmental impact.

“As we advance our commitment to sustainability, glass recycling plays a crucial role in building a circular ecosystem at Andersen. Glass is durable and infinitely recyclable yet often ends up in landfills. By implementing glass recycling, we not only reduce our waste and energy consumption but keep this valuable resource in the loop for continuous reuse. Every pane, shard, or scrap we divert from disposal strengthens our environmental impact and reinforces our leadership in sustainable building solutions.”

George Bandy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Andersen Corporation

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Additional waste reduction efforts include:

Industrial Symbiosis and Material Exchange: Expanding its material reuse and recycling initiatives, Andersen's sites are finding new ways to recycle wood, vinyl, Fibrex®, and other materials that would typically be waste. The company is also utilizing returnable packaging materials for reuse, further reducing its environmental impact.
Improved Waste Sorting: Dedicated waste sorting stations and comprehensive employee training programs ensure that recyclables and compostable materials are correctly processed. To date, over 1000 team members have been trained, with plans to expand across the enterprise, demonstrating Andersen’s commitment to effective waste management and sustainability practices.
Innovative Partnerships: Andersen is collaborating with local and national organizations to divert waste from landfills. This includes repurposing scrap materials for community projects and finding sustainable disposal options for hard-to-recycle materials, including the following initiatives:
- Andersen’s Consolidation Center in Menomonie, WI collects aluminum cans, which are donated to the local Fish and Wildlife Services.
- Andersen’s sustainability and supply chain teams have collaborated to develop a program that aggregates hard-to-recycle vinyl from different locations across the country at our Bayport facility, where it is then sent off to a third-party recycler.

Continuous improvement teams at Andersen's sites are identifying ways to reduce production waste, optimize material use, and improve efficiency. In 2024, Andersen diverted 23,523,000 pounds of material from landfills.

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“As a company, we recognize that waste reduction isn’t just about compliance, it’s about doing what’s right for the environment, our communities, and future generations. Our company-wide initiatives to reduce waste, combined with small, meaningful actions taken by individuals, can create a significant impact. Every step we take moves us closer to a more sustainable future.”

George Bandy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Andersen Corporation

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A Commitment to the Planet During Earth Month

As part of its Earth Month celebrations this April, Andersen is reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship. Employees will have opportunities to participate in sustainability-focused activities, including E-waste recycling with Repowered, waste reduction challenges, volunteer events and educational sessions on how to contribute to this effort both at work and at home.

Posted: April 29, 2025

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