These are common practices that everyone in our industry is, or should be, adopting. They're readily available and some require a minimal amount of effort and sacrifice. In other words, if you're not participating in these programs you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
Since July of last year, we've been using 30% recycled stock for all 8.5"x11", 8.5"x14" and 11"x17" copy paper. Unless otherwise requested – this is the material we use to print your jobs. As the most commonly used small format printing sizes, this change has significantly increased our (and your) use of sustainable materials.
It's also inspired us. The success of this program has us constantly requesting more sustainable paper stocks from all of our vendors. We had no idea this small change would have such a large impact.
In 2009 we converted to FSC house stock for our digital press – the iGen. It's a perfect fit. Sustainable paper for a sustainable machine. And with only 35% of current worldwide consumer demands being met by using recycled fiber, we feel that FSC virgin paper stock is the sustainable way to fill the remaining 65%.
In 2008 we received our Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody certificate. Since we purchase and distribute FSC paper stock in both Electric Pencil and Zoombis, the FSC wanted to make sure we weren't the weak link in their "chain". So they had us find an accredited Independent 3rd Party to assess our standard operating procedures.
After a thorough investigation and review of our operation and training manuals, they found us to be in compliance with their regulations. When they came back for our annual audit they said it was clear we took the core concept to heart. If you want to see this stellar certificate, it's hanging above my monitor.
Our Electric Pencil division has been a champion post-production recycler for years. They do a fantastic job of diverting recyclable waste from the trash stream. I got envious and didn't see any reason we couldn't do the same thing. So last July, I made some phone calls and got in touch with Honolulu Recovery Services (HRS). With their help and the dedication of our main production staff, I walked into that area last September and couldn't find one trash can!
Between Electric Pencil, Zoombis and HONBLUE, we're now able to divert a monthly average of 20 tons of paper from traditional waste streams.
- Xerox iGen – More than 80% of the machine's waste can be returned, reused or recycled and approximately 97% of the machine's parts are recyclable or remanufacturable.
- HP L65500 – Instead of using solvent inks, which are toxic and hazardous to the environment, the HP uses latex inks. They're odorless, have zero HAP and low levels of VOC.
- Océ Machines:
- The Arizona 250 GT can print on virtually any surface without the need for mounting and lamination. By eliminating these additional steps, we're able to significantly decrease our energy output and waste.
- The new ColorWave has unique Océ TonerPearls that ensure there are no fine dust, no odor and minimal waste disposal. As a result, there's no negative impact on the working environment.
We're always on the lookout for sustainable materials. We currently offer an entire line of green products that can be found in nearly all of our large format printing options.
Substrates include:
- Recyclable Vinyl
- Photo Paper
- Eco Board
- Bio Foam
- Bio Gator
- Bio Sintra
Now you have the choice of whether or not you want to join us in our fight against waste and pollution.