2013 Environmental Excellence Award

FTA Honors Two Companies in 13th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Competition - Paragon Label and Global Packaging

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) is proud to announce that this year it recognized two flexographic printers in the 13th Annual FTA Environmental Excellence Award program. Paragon Label of Petaluma, CA took top honors in the competition and Global Packaging of Oaks, PA earned an honorable mention.

Twenty-year FTA member, Paragon Label is a family-owned company specializing in printing fine quality pressure-sensitive labels. Located in the wine-country of California, Paragon was launched in 1998 as a division of Mrs. Grossman’s, one of the largest decorative sticker manufacturers in the world.

Paragon Label has a number of programs that save energy, reduce waste, water use and solvent air emissions. The facility has energy-saving compressors, more efficient lighting, low flow water fixtures, in-house waste water treatment, digital platemaking equipment, drought tolerant landscaping and a variety of recycling areas. They created the “Green Team” and brought in assistance to help them find ways to further reduce their environmental footprint.

Global Packaging was awarded an honorable mention in this year’s competition. An FTA member since 1997, the facility specializes in printed roll stock and converted bags for the consumer product, food, bakery, confectionary and pet food markets. Pollution prevention, waste reduction and lean manufacturing processes have been part of its lexicon for many years. In 2009, Global Packaging was the first flexographic facility certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. It is also the second time it has received an award from the FTA Environmental Excellence competition, having been awarded an honorable mention in 2005.

read more in flexo magazine's may 2013 issue

---

Overview of Environmental Awards

While the drive for workable, sustainable solutions for a cleaner environment may seem complex and even somewhat daunting to most of us, it is vital that we each do our part in contributing to a cleaner, healthier Earth. That is why FTA hosts the Environmental Excellence Awards. Through this awards program, the association honors companies and organizations that utilize environmentally sound resources and practices that contribute to a healthier Earth and a better way of life.

Any company active in the flexographic printing industry is invited to enter. Entries are judged in one of two categories: Process Improvement or Technical Innovation.

Entries submitted for consideration must relate to innovations completed or in substantial progress in the previous year and may include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in production process or raw materials which reduce the volume and/or toxicity of waste produced.
• Processes that recover reusable materials or energy that otherwise would be considered waste.
• Improved operation and/or maintenance of existing process equipment and methods that reduce or prevent waste generation.
• Technology/product developments that were created with environmental benefits in mind and result in reduced waste being released/generated from a facility.
• Outreach and educational programs to promote pollution prevention.
• Sustainability programs.

 

Past Winners