Sustainability

In a recent installment of Going Green Digest for Lexington, Kentucky-based WhatTheyThink, editor Gail Nickel Kailing responded to a reader wondering if paper vellums are inherently environmentally unfriendly. She sought assistance from Sabine Lenz, founder of PaperSpecs, Palo Alto, Calif., for the answer. Here is her response: “Transparent papers—or vellums—are basically made from the same fibers as opaque sheets. In the case of translucents, the fibers are more fibrillated, creating a net of fiber that is more loosely bonded than your average paper fiber. Also, no fillers are added, which the paper needs to become opaque. In the naturally translucent sheets, the air pockets

During the month of June, Hillside, Illinois-based Creative Automation—a leader in direct mail printing and database management services—conducted a reforestation program in partnership with American Forests, which resulted in the planting of 4,000 trees. The program applied to all orders placed with the graphics printing division, and for every $5,000 print production order, 25 trees were planted in the customer’s name. “The trees are being planted through our partner, American Forests, ... as part of the American Forests California Wildfire ReLeaf effort in the Tahoe National Forest,” said Michael Turano, executive vice president of manufacturing and production. The types of trees [include] Ponderosa

As the demand for environmental integrity grows, Chicago-based GPA Specialty Substrate Solutions announced its latest eco-friendly substrate—Ultra Green Film. Unlike traditional paper, Ultra Green Film is manufactured without the use of trees, water or toxic agents including bleaching chemicals. The result is an environmentally responsible substrate that offers unrivaled visual quality, press performance and environmental impact. Different from pulp papers, it has no grain, resulting in a smooth surface that promotes high-color saturation and resolution. The unique substrate combines the printability and converting characteristics of paper with the durability of plastic in one amazing substrate. Ultra Green is naturally resistant to scuffing,

Verso Paper, Memphis, Tenn., was recently awarded the 2008 Environmental and Energy Achievement Award from the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) for its work with the Bucksport (Maine) Environmental Innovation Partnership (BEIP). AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman presented the award to Verso President and CEO Mike Jackson at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The BEIP is a collaboration among Verso’s Bucksport Mill in Maine, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Town of Bucksport, the University of Maine, environmental groups and interested citizens created to help the mill further reduce its environmental footprint. “By creating new

Ward/Kraft, Ft. Scott, Kan., has released an eco-friendly security printing option. The VOC-free holographic UV coating is 100 percent recyclable and non-polluting. The “green” holographic coating can be applied to labels, plastics, magnets, card stock and virtually any coated product, providing distributors with a recyclable holographic security solution. The new “green” coating is offered in 19 standard holographic patterns, three of which are kept in stock, while another 16 are readily available. The coating can be flood coated and/or printed as a custom image from digital artwork. This new solution provides a “green” holographic coating with a glass like, even and smooth surface

SMART Papers, Hamilton, Ohio, has begun construction on a new $30 million high-efficiency energy co-generation facility at its manufacturing center, marking an important first for the North American papermaking industry. By early 2009, SMART Papers will produce all of its own power and begin a transition to 100 percent cellulosic biomass fuel. By late 2009, said company officials, all products will be fully carbon neutral and produced 100 percent fossil-fuel free. SMART Papers said its products will be carbon-neutral because its manufacturing center will be powered by 100 percent biomass—primarily yard waste, as well as industrial wood and fiber waste. Biomass emits no net

Green printing businesses are not just about the products produced, such as those manufactured using FSC- and SFI-certified paper stocks. The role of sustainability in the printing industry also encompasses all support activities, the grounds and the physical plant. Measures that go beyond the scope of offering environmentally friendly paper can be as simple as installing energy-efficient lighting and Energy Star-compliant computer systems. Because our population is expected to reach 9 billion in less than 50 years, and our natural resources continue to diminish, doing the minimum in regard to sustainability is far from a sufficient action in the 21st century. We will

Headquartered in Macomb, Mich., Admore is the first Ennis facility to receive the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification. The certification was granted in February, and gives Admore the ability to include the FSC logo on projects that meet the strict standards of FSC criteria. The mission of the FSC is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. And, as Bill Tignanelli, general manager, pointed out, “The Admore staff can advise distributors on a green approach to design, production and manufacturing processes on all of our presentation products.” For more information, visit www.admoreonline.com or call (800)

Datatel Resources, Monaca, Pa., has been awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody certification. The FSC is a global organization that ensures forestry practices are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically viable. With FSC certification, Datatel now offers two separate standards, having already earned Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification earlier in the year. The company is excited about the opportunities its distributors have to provide environmentally responsible products to the marketplace. For more information, visit www. datatelcorp.com.

By Maggie DeWitt Less is the new more, and this month’s mystery product is particularly apropos of current marketplace conditions. Not only is it lighter than its traditional counterpart, but the product goes beyond its primary function to provide valuable brand reinforcement while advancing eco-friendly initiatives. In addition, it can help distributors of both business printing and promotional products grow sales within various industries, and the product also serves as an excellent self-promotion. Check out the following clues to guess what the product is: • It is printed on FSC- and SFI-certified recycled stock, and is, itself, recyclable. • It is used