Combined Locks, Wis. – Appleton Coated has been awarded the 2015 SmartWay Excellence Award by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Appleton Coated is one of only 11 companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay’s nearly 3,000 Partners. The other award honorees are: Canon USA, Inc., Hewlett-Packard, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Home Depot, Whirlpool Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Bacardi USA, Inc., Gorton’s, Armada, and Menlo Logistics.

Appleton Coated was selected by the EPA based on its achievements in the areas of: effective collaboration, advanced technology and operational practices, a robust system to validate and report their SmartWay data, and communications and public outreach efforts.

Appleton Coated CEO Doug Osterberg comments, “We are very pleased to be honored with this award.” He continues, “We have been an EPA SmartWay Partner since 2008 and this recognition reflects favorably on our dedication and hard work to furthering sustainability in all areas of our operations.”

“EPA is pleased to honor these SmartWay Partners with a 2015 Excellence Award," said Chris Grundler, Director, EPA Office of Transportation & Air Quality.  “Through their environmental leadership in greener goods movement, each of these companies is demonstrating its commitment to our shared goal of a healthier, more sustainable future for the communities and families we serve.”

Angie Slinger, logistics manager for Appleton Coated, adds, “This award, given to only 1 - 2 percent of SmartWay Partners each year, recognizes our company’s achievements as a Partner in the SmartWay Transport Partnership and its contributions to the sustainability of global supply chains. As a SmartWay partner and 2015 Excellence Award honoree, our company has demonstrated its commitment to environmental excellence in its freight management operations, to reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful air pollutants.”