GREEN scene
PRINTERNEWS
John Henry Now Recycles Plastics
LANSING, MI—The John Henry Co., a division of Multi Packaging Solutions, is among the first companies to participate in GOEX Corp.’s new “closed-loop” plastic recycling program, which allows the printer to extract value from processed plastics that it previously regarded as waste.
The GOEX “Zero-Landfill” program involves plastic handling procedures, wherein plastic scrap (makeready waste, finished scrap, etc.) is collected, recycled, enhanced with virgin raw material, and extruded into a functional, printable plastic sheet that customers can use over and over again.
“John Henry supplies plant tags, merchandising and marketing solutions to growers, greenhouses and garden centers and florists. Recognizing the industry’s interest in sustainable practices, we have worked to develop recycled products, plastic alternatives and recycling programs for our customers,” says Jon Luea, product development manager for John Henry’s Grower Plastics division.
“The GOEX program is helping us focus upstream to combine sustainable manufacturing practices with recycled products,” he adds.
Clifton, NJ-based Sandy Alexander reports that it is on-track to achieve its goal of cutting its total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 11 percent (per dollar of revenue) from 2006 CO2 levels by 2012.
Tabloid Graphic Services, Pennsauken, NJ, selected Hess Corp. for its demand response services. The printer receives payments for reducing electricity usage during times of peak demand when New Jersey power grids are under significant stress.
The Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership has appointed Karen Gross as its executive director. Gross has 20 years of experience in the environmental, health and safety field.
Velocity Print Solutions, Albany, NY, has purchased Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) equal to 100 percent of its energy use in 2009. The FSC-certified printer is also a member of the EPA Green Power Partnership Program.
OnDemand Color Group and Diamond Graphics have launched PrintResponsibly.com as an e-commerce Website offering a selection of environmentally conscious printing services available through the Internet.
Bramkamp Printing, of Cincinnati, OH, has purchased an Agfa Acento chemistry-free platemaker to go with its other green initiatives, including FSC certification, soy- and vegetable-based ink usage, and a recycling program.
NowCertified
The following companies have received chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and/or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
• Arandell Corp., Menomonee Falls, WI: SFI and PEFC (already FSC-certified).
• D&K Printing, Boulder, CO: FSC.
• Direct Group, Pennington, NJ: FSC.
• Transcontinental Inc., Montreal (all 45 facilities): FSC, SFI and PEFC.
• Twill Printing Services, Berkeley Heights, NJ: FSC.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Heidelberg USA has launched a Web portal dedicated to sustainable solutions. Its “Green Printing” pages address sustainable printing from three distinct perspectives. “Green Manufacturing” details the company’s environmental policy and green manufacturing processes; “Green Printshop” lists which Heidelberg products can shrink printers’ environmental footprints; and “Green Resources” compiles third-party tools and information on green printing and sustainability. For more information, visit www.us.heidelberg.com/eco.
ANSI has accredited the Timber Products Inspection program for printing companies that are seeking SFI and PEFC chain-of-custody certification. For more information, visit www.tpinspection.com.
Four more paper mills at Domtar Corp. have received FSC certification. They include its coated groundwood mill in Columbus, MS; and uncoated freesheet mills in Hawesville, KY; Kingsport, TN; and Marlboro (Bennettsville), SC.
Goss International’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its two U.S. manufacturing sites were recognized recently. Citing cuts in chemical, water and energy use, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services selected the company’s facility in Durham, NH, as one of four runners-up for the annual Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award. Additionally, Goss’ Kennedale, TX, plant has become a member of the EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track program. PI
