Essex Furukawa Affirms Commitment to The Copper Mark Assurance Process

ATLANTA, GA – Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, the largest global manufacturer of magnet/winding wire, is continuing its pledge of participation in The Copper Mark Semis-Fabricator Program and has begun The Copper Mark Assurance Process.

The Copper Mark is the only comprehensive social and environmental assurance program for the copper industry, and Essex Furukawa was an early adopter, as one of the first manufactures to join as a semis-fabricator partner committed to participate in its pilot program. The partnership aligns Essex Furukawa and its Vision 2030 to meet the Accountability, Reporting, and Governance goals as well as the Supply Chain Transparency goals of its holistic sustainability program.

Essex Furukawa is proud to associate with The Copper Mark for its Vision 2030 efforts.

Austin Robinson, Sustainability Project Manager for Essex Furukawa, said that continuing with this program was an exceptionally easy choice to make.

“It is spelled out completely by the mission of The Copper Mark,” she said. “’Copper Producers that participate in The Copper Mark commit to demonstrate responsible production practices through an independent third-party assessment,’ and those assessments and transparency are part and parcel with what we are trying to do with Essex Furukawa and Vision 2030.

“We have committed, in writing, to implement policies and practices conforming with The Copper Mark Responsible Production Criteria. We are excited to take a leadership position within the industry and urge others to follow our lead.”

Essex Furukawa has completed Phase 1, a self-assessment, that took place between October 2021 and March 2022 with The Copper Mark. As it moves into the second Phase, the assurance process, The Copper Mark aims to provide Essex Furukawa, as well as other participants in achieving five key aspects. With the expanded commitment, Essex Furukawa has signed on for four additional measurable status’, that include:

• Meet all Copper Mark Criteria within 24 months of signing this Letter of Commitment;
• Demonstrate conformance with The Copper Mark Criteria through participation in The Copper Mark Assurance Process;
• Nominate and provide an appropriate level of support and resources to a contact person who will coordinate with The Copper Mark; and,
• Share information with The Copper Mark and the public as stipulated in The Copper Mark Assurance Process

It is a process that Robinson believes in.

“Expanding our relationship with The Copper Mark continues to showcase our support and belief in creating a sustainable future,” she said. “Every opportunity we can take to validate our efforts with a respected third-party, is something we will consider. Having a partner like The Copper Mark that is willing to work alongside us makes each additional step more manageable for everyone.”

About Essex Furukawa

Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire LLC is the leading, global provider of magnet wire that is used by most major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and industry leaders in the automotive, energy, industrial, and commercial & residential sectors. The Atlanta-based company is a global joint venture formed in 2020 between Essex Magnet Wire and Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., both leaders in magnet wire product development, and custom solutions. The combined entity, relying on the strengths of both Essex Magnet Wire and Furukawa Electric, draws on more than two centuries of combined experience and knowledge to push forward innovation while also remaining focused on delivering manufacturing excellence and outstanding customer service. For more information, visit essexfurukawa.com.

About The Copper Mark

The Copper Mark is an assurance framework available for the copper industry to demonstrate its responsible production practices and its contribution to the United Nations SDGs. The Copper Mark offers a comprehensive system that addresses 32 environmental, social and governance issues related to the responsible production of copper, using the Responsible Minerals Initiative’s (RMI) Risk Readiness Assessment. Initially developed and funded by the International Copper Association (ICA), The Copper Mark is incorporated as an independent entity headquartered in the United Kingdom. For additional information, visit coppermark.org.