Cradle to Cradle
Now more than ever, one man’s trash needs to become another man’s treasure.
January 2008 by Tom Polischuk
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Sustainability is a worldwide concern that is getting well-deserved attention. It’s going to impact every phase of our lives, so it’s not surprising that package printing will be in the thick of things (packagePRINTING, too).
If melting glaciers, disappearing rain forests, depleting oil reserves, and increasing CO2 levels weren’t enough to get you’re attention, those playing in the packaging arena got a kick start (maybe a kick in the pants) from their friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart store.
Much like it did with RFID technology back in 2003, Wal-Mart helped bring sustainability to the forefront of the packaging supply chain with its “Packaging Scorecard.” This was one element of a broader “Sustainability 360” program the company initiated at the end of 2005. With this initiative, Wal-Mart made a commitment to three broad sustainability goals: to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste, and to sell products that sustain resources and the environment.
One thing is for sure, however—Wal-Mart didn’t create the sustainability movement in the packaging arena—it just added some weight. There are many package printers that have been hard at work for a number of years providing environmentally sound solutions to their customers. This article will highlight the initiatives that several forward-thinking printers in our packaging segment have taken.
Sustaining leadership
Curtis Packaging (Sandy Hook, Conn.) has taken an increasingly active role in environmental stewardship during the past five years, says Don Droppo, senior VP, sales and marketing. “Senior management was able to foresee the importance of including environmental sustainability as part of the company’s overall corporate social responsibility,” he reflects.
The company has taken several significant initiatives that highlight its commitment to sustainability. Droppo says that Curtis Packaging is the first printing and packaging company in North America to power its entire operation with 100 percent renewable energy, be 100 percent carbon neutral, and be FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
Its conversion to using of renewable energy sources includes 85 percent wind power and 15 percent hydroelectric. This will offset more than 7,100,000 pounds of CO2 per year, he notes.
Although the company had worked for many years to reduce internal factors that contributed to its carbon footprint, it took the additional step of neutralizing unavoidable CO2 emissions by investing in a portfolio of independently audited, high-quality projects. By working with The CarbonNeutral Company based in London it is supporting a forestry project in Wales and a methane-capture project in Germany.
If melting glaciers, disappearing rain forests, depleting oil reserves, and increasing CO2 levels weren’t enough to get you’re attention, those playing in the packaging arena got a kick start (maybe a kick in the pants) from their friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart store.
Much like it did with RFID technology back in 2003, Wal-Mart helped bring sustainability to the forefront of the packaging supply chain with its “Packaging Scorecard.” This was one element of a broader “Sustainability 360” program the company initiated at the end of 2005. With this initiative, Wal-Mart made a commitment to three broad sustainability goals: to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste, and to sell products that sustain resources and the environment.
One thing is for sure, however—Wal-Mart didn’t create the sustainability movement in the packaging arena—it just added some weight. There are many package printers that have been hard at work for a number of years providing environmentally sound solutions to their customers. This article will highlight the initiatives that several forward-thinking printers in our packaging segment have taken.
Sustaining leadership
Curtis Packaging (Sandy Hook, Conn.) has taken an increasingly active role in environmental stewardship during the past five years, says Don Droppo, senior VP, sales and marketing. “Senior management was able to foresee the importance of including environmental sustainability as part of the company’s overall corporate social responsibility,” he reflects.
The company has taken several significant initiatives that highlight its commitment to sustainability. Droppo says that Curtis Packaging is the first printing and packaging company in North America to power its entire operation with 100 percent renewable energy, be 100 percent carbon neutral, and be FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
Its conversion to using of renewable energy sources includes 85 percent wind power and 15 percent hydroelectric. This will offset more than 7,100,000 pounds of CO2 per year, he notes.
Although the company had worked for many years to reduce internal factors that contributed to its carbon footprint, it took the additional step of neutralizing unavoidable CO2 emissions by investing in a portfolio of independently audited, high-quality projects. By working with The CarbonNeutral Company based in London it is supporting a forestry project in Wales and a methane-capture project in Germany.
Companies Mentioned:
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Go Green Profitably
Emerging Strategies: Green Printing and Sustainability
Best Practices for Print Automation
Competing for Print’s Thriving Future