The American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM) standards are used throughout the world. The standards started out being developed for the building and construction sector, but are now defining sustainability standards for every industry and application. The active participation of the US government, environmental interests and competing materials means having the involvement of the metals industry is critical.
Technical specialist Catherine Houska has been charged with identifying and encouraging metals industry participation on relevant work items. She fosters working relationships with other non-metal voting interests that have similar concerns, supported by the Nickel Institute, Copper Development Association, SSINA (Specialty Steel Industry of North America), ISSF (International Stainless Steel Forum) and IMOA (International Molybdenum Association).
The E60.13 Sustainable Manufacturing standard has two new guidelines under development that will apply to all industries. The purpose of the guidelines are to define sustainable manufacturing measurement and documentation practices. Both guidelines were drafted by the US government’s National Institute of Standards (NIST).