Business Management - Sustainability

Calvin Frost, CEO of Channeled Resources Group (CRG), shares his thoughts on one of the most important sustainability issues facing the pressure-sensitive labeling industry—that of release liner waste and landfilling.

Sustainability in package printing news, featuring items on Toray Plastics, Flint Group, and the drupa international exhibition.

If the materials, like paper, paperboard, and foil, and the ink and press time wasted during makeready can be reduced, these savings will flow directly to the bottom line. Waste reduction would also have a positive impact on a printer's efforts to be environmentally-responsible. Ink presetting as an economical solution to set color quickly and reduce waste is a trend that continues to gain momentum.

“My 40˝ press just broke down, and my customer is insistent on the job. Is anyone nearby running a 40˝ press?” Fielding production back-up inquiries like this one is all in a day’s work for Andrew Willie, executive director of the Independent Carton Group (ICG). This 18-member association of independent folding carton converters strives to provide customers with competitive pricing, uninterrupted service, and cutting-edge technology and manufacturing capabilities.

Flexo printing operation Portco Packaging, based in the Pacific Northwest, is a company founded on the principles of sustainability in packaging. In response to changing market demands, Portco has moved into laminated film structures without comprising its commitment to sustainability.

Products that will be on display at ICE USA include the Picometrix T-Ray 4000, 904CM monitoring unit for its AC ionizing systems, DPS-1 Dancer Position Sensor and more.

Customers of Southeastern Printing have a unique opportunity to experience today what could be the future of eco-friendly label manufacturing across the board. The Stuart, Fla.-headquartered producer of film-based roll-fed, in-mold, and cut-and-stack beverage labels has so completely integrated "green" practices into its manufacturing processes, its customers can't help but come away with a finished product that has a reduced impact on the environment.

Sustainability in package printing news, featuring ModusLink, Kimberly-Clark and Sunoco.

Wal-Mart is using its extensive supply chain to help it reduce packaging, 
reduce costs, and improve profitability. Wal-Mart made a big splash back in 2003 when it announced it would require RFID labeling on pallets and cases supplied to its stores starting in 2005. The announcement initiated much development activity throughout the supply chain, and most likely advanced the development of RFID in these applications by a notable degree.

Sustainability in package printing news, featuring Boulder Canyon™ Natural Foods’ fully compostable package.