Serious Sustainability
Sustainability has been engrained into our manufacturing process since the inception of the company. We mostly source our raw material from repurchased copper or brass scrap material. In fact, more than 95% of our raw material is sourced from recycled brass and copper scrap which reduces the production necessary for copper or brass ore being mined. With a unique metal such as brass, we can reuse and recycle the copper and brass scrap to create new finished products—without losing any of its original properties or characteristics.
The Benefits of Brass in Manufacturing
Introduction: Brass is a non-ferrous red metal composed of copper, zinc, and other alloys tailored for specific applications. Renowned for its superior machinability and recyclability, brass offers economic and environmental advantages.
Recyclability & our Scrap Buy-Back Program: Brass, as used by Mueller Brass, can be recycled infinitely without compromising its properties. Compared to metals like aluminum and steel, brass boasts lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Mueller Brass supports a Scrap Buy-Back program, encouraging customers to return brass materials for recycling and new rod stock production which helps offset the total cost of brass.
Machinability: Brass enables high material removal rates and shorter cycle times on modern machine tools. It requires less power and extends tool life, reducing downtime and costs. With capabilities to run significantly faster than steel and offering lower per-part costs, brass stands out as a cost-effective choice for manufacturers.
A New Era in Brass Alloys
Introduction: Mueller Brass Company offers EcoStream™, a range of ultra-low-lead and no-lead brass alloys compliant with stringent regulations like NSF61 and the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. These alloys balance compliance needs with productivity and competitiveness.
Segregated vs. Non-Segregated Scrap Streams: Mueller Brass Co. innovates with EcoStream™ alloys, offering non-segregated scrap streams for select alloys, reducing handling time and enhancing return efficiencies. This approach simplifies manufacturing processes and increases approval rates for recycled materials.
GreenDrop™ C27450 Lead-Free Brass Alloy: Developed specifically for compliance with lead-free regulations, GreenDrop™ C27450 reduces costs associated with production transitions. Its compatibility with standard brass scrap further streamlines operations, enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency.
Certifications & Compliance
Environmental Certifications: Mueller Brass Co. adheres to RoHS, WEEE, REACH, and Conflict Minerals regulations. The Green Circle Certification underscores the commitment to sustainability, with U.S. industry average recycled content in brass rod at 92% - which Mueller Brass Co. has set the industry standard.
Lead-Free Compliance: Reduction in Lead in Drinking Water Act: Mueller Brass Co. meets updated lead content standards, ensuring their brass products comply with the latest regulations for potable water applications. Third-party verification processes confirm compliance, supporting environmental and health standards.
Proposition 65: Safe Water and Toxic Enforcement Act: Proposition 65 mandates clear warnings on products containing chemicals like lead. Mueller Brass Co. addresses compliance requirements, providing necessary disclosures on products distributed in California.