From Mowing to Growing: A Smarter Approach to Sustainable Land Use
Waco, Texas
At AJ Nonwovens Waco site, sustainability and smart resource management go hand in hand. By converting unused property into productive hay fields, the team is now averaging two hay cuttings per year—producing roughly 2,800 pounds per acre annually.
This initiative transforms routine land maintenance into a meaningful sustainability effort that supports soil health, biodiversity, and carbon capture.
In addition to its environmental impact, the program also generates cost savings by eliminating the need for external lawn services to mow the property.
This responsible and sustainable land utilization demonstrates how thoughtful planning and collaboration can turn everyday operations into measurable gains for both the environment and the business.
Halloween
Clinton, South Carolina
On Halloween 2025, Sustainability took center stage as Kristen Reece and Summer Cooper dressed up as characters from The Lorax — the beloved guardian of the trees. While the costume was all in good fun, the message behind it runs deep: every action counts when it comes to protecting our environment.
That morning, Kristen and Summer had the joy of visiting Eastside Elementary School and hand out candy and share smiles with the students — reminding us how small acts can brighten a day and inspire future generations to care for our planet.
As The Lorax reminds us, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Whether it’s reducing waste on the production floor, recycling at home, or finding creative ways to save energy, we can all “speak for the trees” — and for a more sustainable future.
Garden
Charleston, South Carolina
In April 2024, AJ Charleston started a fruit and vegetable garden. Associates prepped two raised beds to welcome new plants.
In 2024 and 2025, the garden included tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and a variety of herbs.
The garden was maintained by associates, who reaped the benefits.
“The Earth is the only place which we mankind call home. With the future in mind, we need to treat nature with respect and treasure our planet.”
Oscar Wang VP Finance, Eurasia
Insect House
Strakonice, Czech Republic
AstenJohnson associates in Strakonice voluntarily built an insect house in 2023. The insect house supports biodiversity and offers natural shelter to solitary bees, ladybugs, goldeneye bees and butterflies.
Unfortunately, these creatures are decreasing every year, yet they play an irreplaceable role in our ecosystem. Insects take care of pollination and help in the fight against pests. They are at the beginning of the food chain, and essential for the stability of nature.
Insects in nature seek shelter mainly in crevices, old wood, or various cracks in walls. Now they can use this insect hotel as shelter and for overwintering. The perimeter mesh protects hotel residents from birds that might mistake it for a feeder.
What is our future? Our children. We are committed and obligated to hand over to them our planet healthy and full of life!
Zdenek Remis Production Manager, Strakonice
Beehives & Biodiversity
Eupen, Belgium
A great example of protecting Biodiversity at AstenJohnson is the presence of beehives on the Eupen site. These beehives are managed by an associate in his free time. His passion for bees is shared with other associates. Beehives do not represent any danger for the associates and are helpful for local biodiversity.
Tree Planting
Strakonice, Czech Republic
In 2021, a group of AstenJohnson volunteers group of AstenJohnson volunteers and their family members planted around 1,100 oak trees in an area near Strakonice, where trees were affected by bark beetles. Not only will these trees help restore the area impacted by bark beetles, they will also serve as a carbon sink, improving air quality in Strakonice.
This action from our associates demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and their community.


