Environment

As one of the leading providers in the graphics sector, Neschen recognised the trend towards greater green awareness some time ago and consistently uses green production porcesses and materials.

For example, its Pro Nature product, which is subjected to the most stringent internal norms and checks, is a result of this, but as Neschen’s Frank Seemann, Head of Marketing and Communications Department at Neschen AG in Bückeburg, Germany points out: “Pro Nature is not just a label for the customer – the advertising materials for this line are made exclusively of environmentally and resource-friendly materials. One of these is cotton – a natural, fibre that is not just pleasantly warm and soft, but also kind of the skin. So it goes without saying that cotton is becoming more and more populat, particulary in interior graphic design”.

Corn is another new trend. As a result, Neschen also offers digital print media that is made entirely of cornstarch. Printed with eco inks – also made from cornstarch – this combination provides environmentally friendly advertising materials that are also completely biodegradable.

Since both corn and cotton are renewable natural materials, no finite fossil fuels are required. But even synthetic materials or plastics that are usually manufactured form oil can be produced sustainably. One example is the polyolefin group (PO). These include several wellknown materials, such as polypropylene (PP), which Neschen uses as a basic material in banner production.

The material used to make PP is a by-product of the petroleum industry, which is generated each day in the refineries and is also used in the food industry.

During combustion of the raw material or the PP film, only water (H20) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted as reaction products. No other hazardous by-products are generated and modern cleaning and filter systems also further minimise emissions. This is a key difference when PP is compared to the majority of other synthetics and plastics that have to be specially disposed of and are often very harmful to the environment.

In addition to maintaining quality, Neschen is keen to save energy. As a result, it has fitted its own water filtering system that, after thorough purification, feeds the water from film production back into the public water supply. This revolutionary system decreases water consumption by several thousand cubic meters annually. Further, the company has implemented a highly efficient energy recovery system that has reduced the consumption of its manufacturing machinery to a minimum.

Frank Seemann comments: “In the final analysis, Neschen is not just a product trendsetter in its markets. It has also been a green pioneer and its continuing commitment to top-level research and development will ensure it continues to break new ground in the future.”

Hahnemühle FineArt GmbH celebrated its 425 anniversary this year, making it one of the world's oldest continuously trading paper mill. Throughout its history, Hahnemühle has been uniquely sensitive to environmental issues in an industry that is notorious for its exploitation of the natural world. Today Hahnemühle continues to lead with its sustainable production processes.

"The green rooster, the brother of the Hahnemühle red rooster, was created to show that we care about the environment. Caring means offering environmentally-sound products, use of green power production and the sponsorship of environmental initiatives. In doing so, last year we saved 3000 tons of carbon dioxide, introduced bamboo fiber and sugar cane waste- based papers and donated more than $100,000 to environmental initiatives," said Joerg Adomat, Hahnemühle CEO.

The main resources necessary for the product of paper are water, pulp and a tremendous amount of electrical energy. Hahnemühle has addressed all of these from a product quality and sustainability perspective:

Water: The Hahnemühle paper mill was originally established on the banks of the pure, spring-fed Ilme river near the town of Dassel in the beautiful Solling region of Lower Saxony, Germany. This essential in the manufacture of premium quality fine art paper. Today this region has been designated as a Nature Protection Area by a European Flora Fauna Habitat directive. As a resident of this beautiful area, Hahnemühle has adapted sustainable fresh water and contaminant-free sewage recycling programs that exceed even the most stringent FFH directives. Now, 425 years later, the water of the Ilme is still classified as "drinking quality".

Pulp: The Hahnemühle product portfolio encompasses more than 500 different types of fine art, filter, and technical papers, many of which are used in precision industrial and medical applications that require the highest degree of purity. Since many of these applications rule out the use of recycled paper fibers, the importance of using sustainable forest resources becomes paramount to the company's green initiatives.

The company uses pulp from 20 different deciduous and conifer tree species worldwide and insists that its suppliers be certified for sustainable forestry practices that meet or exceed the equivalent of Forest Stewardship Council directives.

In addition to wood pulp, Hahnemühle also uses six different types of cotton linters and rags made from the super-soft, non-aging fibers of totally renewable cotton plant seed vessels.

In recent years Hahnemühle has developed two new "green" papers that have been added to the Digital FineArt Collection. The first was Bamboo 290gsm made from the fast growing fibers of the bamboo plant. The latest is Sugar Cane 300gsm, 75 percent of which is made from bagasse fibers, a by-product of sugar cane processing that would otherwise be burned. Cotton fibers gleaned from recycling our own paper waste make up the remaining 25 percent.

Electricity: The production of paper is an energy-intensive process; most of which is electrical. In January of 2009, Hahnemühle switched to one of Europe's most eco-friendly electrical energy providers called LichtBlick. The power provided by this company is generated entirely from easily sustainable power sources. No atomic, coal, gas or petroleum fuels are used. This will allow us to eliminate approximately 3,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, a figure that roughly equals Hahnemühle's total paper production for a year.

Recycling: Whenever possible, Hahnemühle processes its own paper trimming waste and returns it directly into the production cycle. The excess waste trimmings that Hahnemühle cannot use are accumulated and forwarded to other fabricators, effectively eliminating virtually all its mill waste. Finally, all Hahnemühle packaging is made from fully recyclable materials.

The 2009 SGIA Expo not only showcased the most innovative technologies in the specialty imaging industry, but also promoted sustainable imaging solutions with its Recycling Initiative and Expo signs.

Earlier this month, SGIA arranged for all recyclable media to be picked up from exhibitors’ booths and delivered directly to the recycling center on the Expo floor. Once all of the recyclable media was collected and sorted, the material was directed back into domestic extrusion rather than exported for incineration or unknown applications. SGIA collected a total of 15,987 pounds of material.

"All of the parties that participated in the Initiative should be commended," said Brett Thompson, director of environmental affairs at Laird Plastics, who managed the program. "Thank you to YRC, Shepard Exposition Services, SBC Recycling and all of the exhibiting companies who assisted in making the Expo Recycling Initiative a success."

Sustainable initiatives also took place throughout the Expo lobby and in the aisles. Value Vinyls, a supplier of digital and screen-printing media, donated EcoLogic material for the Expo lobby banners. EcoLogic, which debuted at the show, is an entirely PVC-free, 100 percent recyclable frontlit material that is durable enough for long-term outdoor applications, yet smooth enough for close-up views of indoor signage.

ConVerd, an environmentally sustainable substrate provider, donated Enviroboard MR (moisture resistant) for all of the aisle signs. Also introduced at the Expo, Enviroboard MR is a rigid, moisture-resistant, 100 percent recyclable board alternative to traditional foam core and corrugated plastic boards.

"By the very nature of the manufacturing processes employed, the sign making and screen and digital printing industries are not inherently eco-friendly", so say leading industry supplier William Smith.

"As one of the UK's leading providers of integrated sign and graphics and digital printing solutions, we have introduced a definitive environmental policy that enables us and our customers to greatly enhance the 'green' awareness policies endorsed by government and other legislative bodies."

At William Smith, all materials (predominantly paper, cardboard, aluminium and acrylic) are segmented and recycled. Manufacturers of vinyl materials are constantly striving to develop more environmentally friendly products and we actively engages with any initiative aimed at achieving this objective.

Developments within the range of hardware and materials solutions provided by us reflect these initiatives. Most notable is in the supply of printers that use the latest Latex ink technology as an alternative to the more hazardous solvent-based systems. The Latex system has only a minimal VOC content and therefore no expensive fume extraction equipment is required. It is non-hazardous, odourless and instantly curable and will provide the same three- to five-year outdoor performance as full solvent inks without the attendant dangers to the environment whilst significantly increasing production speed and output.

Latest developments in materials supply that similarly protect and preserve the environment more effectively include two non-PVC vinyl products. The new 3M 3545C is a fine example of an alternative non-PVC solution to traditional solvent-based materials. Due to its special construction, it is far more environmentally friendly but with no compromise on quality and performance standards.

Similar benefits can be found in the alternative RI-JET eco-friendly digital film from RITRAMA that is EU Phthalates Directive 2005/84/EC compliant. It is another example of a material that offers a significantly reduced environmental impact but with no compromise on quality and durability.

 

Today Two Sides launches a multifaceted awareness campaign across the UK to promote the sustainability of print and paper as 'Renewable, Recyclable and Powerful'. The Two Sides (www.twosides.info) initiative involves almost 100 companies and associations spanning the Graphic Communications Supply Chain whose goal is to promote the responsible production and use of print and paper.

Over the next 12 months more than 20,000 media specifiers and influencers will receive information about Print and Paper's good environmental record and dispel many of the myths that people may have. Integrated communications management firm Lateral Group has collaborated with 300million on branding and design, RA Creative on web design and Haymarket Publications to develop and produce the promotional campaign.  It includes direct mail, a series of online and print advertisements in PrintWeek, Marketing, Campaign and Brand Republic, a competition to visit European forests and a fact-filled website.

"Our aim is to start to change perceptions about the production and use of print and paper", explains Martyn Eustace, Two Sides Director. "We're determined to see that print and paper remains an essential part of today's media mix. The initiative is designed to wake people up to the fact that print and paper is a powerful and sustainable medium and encourage them to visit the Two Sides web site to discover even more so they can make informed decisions about the best medium for their communication programmes. We are starting in the UK and plans are already underway to spread the initiative across the rest of Europe."

Two Sides is targeting those who have the most influence in the choice of communications media including: agencies and designers, corporates, retailers, government, journalists, politicians and publishers.  The program of activity kicks off with a direct mail pack of six postcards (printed on Zen Pure White donated by GF Smith) that each highlight key myths and misunderstandings about paper and print, along with enlightening facts. Each card is illustrated by Tom Jennings, a former designer who has moved into illustration full-time. The style of Tom's pen and ink illustrations perfectly reflect the creative properties of paper. A different artist will be chosen for the next three direct mail packs issued over the next eight months.

Lateral Group is handling media planning and the data processing, printing and distribution of the direct mail items. The company has heavily supported the Two Sides' initiative from its inception and has donated the services of a project manager to oversee the roll out. "Paper and print have for some time been the 'un-green' medium in the marketing world," says Nick Dixon, Lateral Group CEO. "Two Sides demonstrates and accurately details that paper and print is still a powerful communication in today's world, as well being a sustainable resource, successfully dispelling any myths about its non-green credentials. At Lateral Group, we promote and champion our mantra of Integrated Communications Management. Only by knowing your audience can you know how to market to them. Print is still very much a part of today's complex and multi channel world".

Six different ads reflect and complement the direct mail campaign, delivering simple statements designed to surprise, educate and explain how the print and paper industry is producing sustainable and effective material.  Two Sides highlights facts such as:

- Bread from wheat, milk from cows, paper from trees: What's more natural than Print & Paper

- 1.5 million football pitches of new trees. Every year: More trees are planted every year than harvested and forests have grown by more than 30% since 1950

- The original wireless communication: Producing a reading a traditional newspaper can consume 20% less energy than reading news online for more than 30 minutes

- What a great sustainable idea: Half the UK's energy requirement is predicted to be needed to drive PCs in the next 10 years. Print and Paper, based on natural and renewable material, can be the sustainable way to communicate.

Martin Lawless, creative director at 300million says: 'Our approach from the start was to bring fairness to the complex emotions and issues that surround the use of paper and print. With balance comes a more rational, objective and improved understanding of what the best thing to do is when it comes to considering the commission of offline communications. This balance is expressed in the name as well as the measured yet forthright logo, brand identity and engaging messaging that get people  to reconsider and rethink print and paper.'

Finally, a competition launched today gives ten people the opportunity to see sustainable forestry and paper making in action at first hand in a choice of forests around Europe. To enter go to www.twosides.info.

ALD helps take the NEC display services provider to the greener side of the fence

Melville Graphics, part of Melville Exhibition and Event Services who prints and provides display services to the exhibition industry, has taken an important step in underlining its green credentials by deciding to use the services of ALD Industry Ltd for disposal of their PVC banner material – both reinforced and unreinforced.

Nathan Rowe – production manager at Melville Graphics Coventry – explained why this was such a great time to take advantage of the ALD Industry service, it was customer driven and he has photographic evidence to prove it: "The photo is of the guys feeding through the United Business Media (UBM) banners we did for IFSEC 2009. This was the first official show where we were specifically asked to get them recycled as UBM are keen for their contractors to obtain the BS 8901 standard for sustainability in the exhibition and events industry.” BS 8901 is the British Standard that has been developed specifically for the events industry. The standard provides a “framework of good practice and defines the requirements for a sustainable event management system to ensure an enduring and balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress”.

In today's ecologically aware climate it is important that all aspects of an event are sustainable. Event organisers need to consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of organising their event. Every choice, from the venue and travel arrangements, through to the content of the delegate packs needs be designed to be as ecologically responsible as possible, especially when dealing with non-biodegradable display materials.

Melville is an ISO 14001 company and an “Association of Events Organisers (AEO) Excellence 09 Awards” winner and is therefore very keen to fly the green flag not only for its customers and exhibitors at the NEC but also for Birmingham City Council, the partners for the NEC Group in their environmental aspirations. ISO 14001's sole purpose is to specify a clear framework of control for a company's environmental management system and it makes a powerful statement about any organisation's commitment to the environment giving it internationally recognised "green credentials".

ALD Industry mainly recycles PVC in the UK for ISO 14001 registered companies, and its MD Mike Turner said: “We are delighted to welcome Melville Graphics to our ever growing recycling family and we hope that this move will pave the way for other environmentally concerned exhibition centres and printers to do the same.” Mike's background as the director of The Digital and Screen Printing Association (DSPA now Prism) until the end of 2007 brought him into daily contact with printers who routinely produce display material. As a result he understands industry concerns and has been heavily involved in advising on environmental policy decisions. Mike uses this experience to assist the advertising, display, point of sale and printing industries in formulating environmental policy and can help enable these companies to completely satisfy their customer’s increasingly green requirements.

ALD Industry Ltd is registered with the Environment Agency EAN/953112/CB and can be reached by telephone on: 01483 277387 or 07843 465275. Email is info@aldgroup.co.uk and the Website: www.aldgroup.co.uk