The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Environmental Excellence Award program has recognized four companies for their efforts in sustainable printing practices.

AllpakTrojan of Renton, Wash., earned an honorable mention in the Process Improvement category for its holistic approach to sustainability. The company promotes healthy, ecologically sustainable business practices in four areas of its production: product and equipment; efficiency and protection; employees and jobs; and commitments and relationships. The converter’s Environmental Action Plan incorporates values and goals that encourage employees to not only become better stewards of the environment, but also promotes positive economic growth and social awareness.

Coating Excellence International LLC of Wrightstown, Wis., won a Technical Innovation award for its SuperTube woven bag. SuperTube bags are recyclable in pre- and post-consumer environments. In the event that SuperTube bags don’t enter the recycling stream, the bags consume less landfill space than alternative packaging as they weigh less than half what a traditional multi-wall paper bag does.

Creative Labels, a narrow-web flexographic printer in Gilroy, Calif., received an honorable mention for Technical Innovation for reducing its carbon footprint through two projects. The first project included a review of the plant’s lighting, especially in the production area. The company replaced high-wattage lights with brighter and more energy efficient lighting. Second, the converter installed a solar electric system customized to achieve maximum energy cost savings.

Lauterbach Group, a Waukesha, Wis.-based label printer, has implemented several environmentally focused initiatives, garnering an FTA award for Process Improvement. The printer seeks sustainability in its everyday operations. With a mindset that lean is green, the 50 employees at Lauterbach were able to reduce the amount of materials consumed while increasing output and reducing their impact on the environment.

FTA solicits entries for next year’s awards competition; entries are due Dec. 31. For information about the 10th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards, contact Doreen Monteleone, director of special projects & EHS services, at dmonteleone@flexography.org.

Flexographic Technical Association
631-737-6020; www.flexography.org