SUSTAINABLE SAILMAKING IN THE DESERT
North Sails 3D Manufacturing Loft in Minden Awarded Green Business Certificate
Located just east of Lake Tahoe, Minden, Nevada may seem like an unlikely spot for North Sails’ 3Di manufacturing hub, a sailing industry flagship center. However, it is true that Minden is home to North Sails’ cutting-edge 3Di technology, which has revolutionized the sport and emerged as the market leader due to its durability and performance. Despite its inland location, products from Minden are shipped to ports worldwide, making it unique in the sailing industry. The facility produces approximately 2,500 sails annually, specializing in both high-performance racing sails and superyacht sails. Additionally, it houses an R&D team that constantly pushes the boundaries of the sport through innovation and testing.
In February 2020, North’s Minden facility received the Green Business Certification from the Nevada Green Business Program and proudly joined the Nevada Green Business Network (NVGBN). Green Businesses prioritize environmental and employee health and wellness, and the NVGBN is a coalition of businesses that work to exceed minimum compliance levels by conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and implementing best practices for pollution prevention. This fosters collaboration between like-minded businesses and enables partnerships with suppliers offering sustainable solutions.
To achieve its certification, the North Sails Minden facility implemented various changes, including eliminating single-use plastics from all break rooms, increasing the number of recycling bins, installing water bottle refilling stations, and upgrading to energy-efficient lighting. These changes are estimated to save more than 20,000 single-use water bottles and more than 1000 kg of single-use plastic from going to landfill annually. Additionally, energy-efficient lighting is estimated to save more than 15,000 kWh per year, the equivalent of two average US homes’ annual usage. North Sails Minden is proud to be part of the NVGBN and is committed to continuing to implement sustainable manufacturing practices.
