SUSTAINABILITY

REDUCE, REUSE, REPAIR, RECYCLE

Samson is invested in reducing waste by conserving resources, streamlining operations, and minimizing environmental impact. We annually review opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary material usage. Implementing green manufacturing processes and continuously refining our rope manufacturing methods allows us to cut down on inefficiencies and excess waste. We also prioritize sustainable materials and seek out recyclable materials whenever possible, keeping valuable resources in use longer and out of landfills. Every step we take toward sustainability helps create a more responsible industry and a better future for the planet.

• 30,000 lbs of reels were diverted from landfills in 2024 through coiled product supply.
• Samson vendor Reel Core offers a $1 per reel rebate to return smaller plastic reels for regrinding.
• A dedicated R&D project identified opportunities for standardized scrap measurements and reduction across facilities.
• Because Samson designs for durability and longevity—reducing the need for replacement—we have seen our high-performance mooring lines last for 20 years!

• The RE Store: over 8,000 lbs of new rope overruns supplied to this local non-profit dedicated to diverting reusable materials from landfills.
• Fiber Scrap: nearly 50 tons of twisted yarn waste was sold to repurposers needing clean material for creating new products.
• Supplier Engagement: Samson has adjusted its vendor expectations and evaluation methods to encourage reducing wasteful packaging practices and reduce the environmental impact of our materials.

Synthetic rope is often a consumable component in operations. While Samson prides itself on supplying products designed to maximize the suitable life, rope in service will eventually degrade to the point where it can no longer serve its original function. However, that degradation can often occur in a localized section of the rope leaving much of the line length still in working condition. Rather than encouraging disposal and replacement of any damaged rope, Samson provides resources to repair and extend product lifetime.

• Fabrication instructions: Samson provides easy access to instructions and digital training opportunities for rope splicing.
• Field Services: Throughout 2024, Samson field technicians performed over 50 onsite services in 6 countries to repair damaged lines.
• Rope User’s Manual: Proper care, maintenance, and best practices are critical to keeping rope from a premature end in the landfill.

Recycling of post-consumer plastic is a complex challenge facing all synthetic polymer manufacturers and users. Throughout the rope manufacturing process, we design our ropes for durability and longevity—which inherently makes breakdown difficult—but it is critical to identify sustainable material solutions wherever possible.

• We make packaging selections with sustainability, durability, and customer needs in mind.
• Operational recycling: Over 60 tons of maintenance materials, curbside collectibles, and plastic film was diverted from landfills in 2024.
• We are actively involved with recyclers, universities, and startups for solutions to the plastic problem by developing suitable chemical or mechanical recycling technologies.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY & Sustainable Manufacturing

As a manufacturer, we recognize that energy use is one of the most significant factors influencing our environmental impact—one that is under our direct control. Rope manufacturing processes demand significant energy to power equipment, resulting in varying levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While energy will always be essential to our production, we are committed to reducing our footprint by actively working to improve our green manufacturing processes. This includes increasing energy efficiency and refining our operations with the planet in mind.

Through continuous improvement, we’re striving for a more balanced approach—one that maintains the reliability of our products while honoring our environmental responsibilities.

• GHG Inventory: A baseline assessment of 2023 Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gases generated at each of Samson’s four facilities was performed.
• 1,981 metric tons of CO₂e were emitted due to facility operations in 2023.
• 69% of these emissions were attributed to Scope 2 electricity generation.

• Reduction: Samson has prioritized electricity efficiency improvements at our two largest manufacturing plants.
  • The University of Washington (UW) and Louisiana State University (LSU) Industrial Training & Assessment Center (ITAC) teams visited the Ferndale and Lafayette facilities, respectively, to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.
  • DOE implementation grants  were awarded to each U.S. facility, targeting a reduction of up to 17% in annual energy use at Ferndale and incorporating onsite production of over 20% of annual electricity use at the Lafayette site.
  • Feasibility of a photovoltaic installation is currently being assessed with Ecotech Solar to meet nearly 20% of the Ferndale facility’s electric demand, following the award of USDA REAP grant funding. 

PARTNERSHIPS

We believe it takes a village to make a real difference. Our partnerships with sustainably minded local companies are more than just business relationships—they are a commitment to fostering thriving, resilient communities. These collaborations leverage the expertise of industry leaders and the rich, hands-on knowledge of local change-makers who understand their communities best.

• Sustainable Connections: Implementation of their industry expertise has optimized our office waste collection and Samson is a proud financial sponsor of the Toward Zero Waste program.
• Cordage Institute: Samson's membership in this established international association continues to improve safety and sustainability across the rope-making industry.
• The RE Store: Donations of new rope overruns are made to this local non-profit dedicated to diverting reusable materials from landfills.
• Fiber Supplier, Avient: As a leading consumer of Avient's high-tech fibers, Samson is an eager participant in their cross-industry coalition efforts to build towards a circular economy. 

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

Understanding the entire influence of a product on the environment requires consideration well beyond the direct observations of any single person in the supply chain. Regarding GHG impact, a significant portion of equivalent emissions are generated long before we begin our production at Samson. We are working toward adopting more green manufacturing processes, utilizing insights from life cycle analysis tools, and continuously refining our operations to reduce waste and extend the life of our products.

Functions of a Life Cycle Analysis Tool
A life cycle analysis tool helps Samson evaluate the environmental impact of sustainable materials. Every stage—from raw material sourcing and rope manufacturing to use and disposal—supports green manufacturing processes and maximizes the potential of recyclable materials by:

• Measuring carbon footprint at different stages of rope manufacturing and production
• Analyzing water use, energy consumption, and waste generation
• Comparing materials and processes to determine which production methods have the lowest environmental impact
• Identifying sustainability improvements by helping optimize materials, reduce unneeded waste, and help Samson operate as efficiently as possible

From creating the base material that makes up the fibers to the packaging and transportation of that material to our facilities, there are many contributions to the total impact before Samson is involved. After we produce the rope, packaging, shipment, use, and disposal of the product are all a part of the life cycle impacting the environment. Realizing this, Samson is dedicated to improving sustainability at every level within the product life cycle.

• Fiber production: Communication with Samson's suppliers is critical to understanding their specific supply chain's environmental impact.
  • We evaluate suppliers on their ability to provide cradle-to-gate GHG inventories, including Scope 3 emissions, allowing us to better convey the total impact.
  • While most synthetic fibers are created using fossil feedstocks, alternatives exist, including Dyneema's bio-based or mixed plastic waste offerings.
• Transport: Samson's recent expansion to add EU manufacturing facilities (Spain & France) provides local supply for our European customers to take advantage of regionally produced materials.
• End-of-life: While the future of plastics will require better technological solutions for recycling, today, we continue to search for alternative solutions to provide additional use before the product ends up in landfill or an incinerator.
• When you see one of these logos, you know your rope was made with alternatively sourced feedstock.

Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

At Samson, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an operational imperative and an integral part of our culture. Our corporate-level initiatives include environmental sustainability, community involvement, employee wellbeing, ethical business practices, long-term sustainability, and creating shared value for all stakeholders. By integrating CSR into our core business operations, we aim to actively contribute to a better world, fostering trust, transparency, and a positive reputation in the marketplace.

To read Samson's corporate social responsibility policy, click here. 

140+ Years in the Making

As the world's largest high performance rope manufacturer & producer, Samson continues to operate at the forefront of the synthetic rope industry. As your needs are evolving, so are we. We are continually inventing, refining, and optimizing our products to ensure we provide you with the highest quality products and comprehensive service you expect from us. We aren’t satisfied with status quo. Never have been. That’s why we continue to take sustainability, product innovation, and service to the next level.

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