RAMSEY, MINN. (May 28, 2009) – Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), maker of high-quality ophthalmic lenses, was recognized on May 20, 2009, by the Anoka CountyBoard of Commissioners for its commitment to environmental sustainability through recycling and waste minimization, and for using 100 percent renewable energy for manufacturing lenses in 2008. Commissioner Dan Erhart presented the award to Cass Lundgren, vice president of operations, George Anderson, environmental health and safety engineer, David King, operations manager, and Jay Lusignan, marketing communications manager, VEL.

 

“We take sustainability efforts and recycling very seriously,” said Lundgren. “At VEL, we make the effort to be environmentally conscientious because we feel it pays off in the long run. We appreciate this recognition very much.”

 

VEL has made a commitment to sustainability and is setting new sustainability standards for lens manufacturers. Specific waste reduction efforts include eliminating a plastic foam liner that held the lenses in a cardboard box for shipment. Removing the plastic liner allowed the company to reduce its plastic use by nearly 35,000 cubic feet since 2005. Other sustainability efforts include using 100 percent renewable energy to manufacture lenses at the Ramsey facility and recycling 147 tons of cardboard and 685 tons of polycarbonate in 2008.

 

“The professionalism and interest that Vision-Ease Lens demonstrates in its commitment to sustainability in manufacturing is impressive,” said Commissioner Erhart, as he presented the award. “It is wonderful to have this company here in Anoka County.”

 

Every year, each of the cities within Anoka County sets recycling goals for the year. The county collects data from each city through its annual recycling survey to ensure the county meets its recycling goals. Cities that meet or exceed their recycling goals are honored annually, along with companies in Anoka County with notable contributions to sustainability. For more information on recycling in Anoka County, visit the Anoka County Web site and click the “Recycling & Environment” link.

Headquartered in Ramsey, Minn., Vision-Ease Lens is a manufacturer of quality ophthalmic lenses including LifeRx® light-responsive lenses, Coppertone™ polarized lenses, SunRxÒ polarized lenses, and IlluminaÒ progressive line-free lenses. Vision-Ease Lens products are sold through independent opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as many retail chains and dispensing markets across the country. For more information about Vision-Ease Lens and its products, visit www.vision-ease.com