United Engravers Wins 2010 FPPA Sustainability Award

United Engravers received the 2010 Sustainability Achievement Award from The Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) at its annual convention this February in Fort Myers, Fla.

The award recognizes the application of environmental sustainability efforts, which contribute to the advancement of the prepress, plate making industry. Representatives from each competing company presented the respective sustainable measures practiced in 2009. FPPA members voted United Engravers to be the recipient of the award.

United Engravers purchased 25 percent wind energy in fall of 2009. Green-e energy uses renewable sources that produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions. The current average mix of energy sources supplying the US includes only 2 percent of renewable energy. United is considering the option to utilize 100 percent wind energy in the future. From 25-100 percent, wind energy benefits the environment by producing less gas emissions.

In an effort to utilize sustainable materials, United Engravers incorporated green practices in its recent renovation. While adding offices to the previously vacant second level, United picked out cabinets certified through the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). In purchasing wood cabinets, United chose a recyclable and biodegradable product that uses less energy to process than other materials, such as plastic or metal.

Recycled material was also used in the upstairs renovation. The ceiling tiles were processed with 50 percent recycled material, and half of the carpet base uses recycled material. United also purchased motion sensor faucets and air-assist toilets, in an effort to reduce water consumption.

Another form of reducing emissions that United incorporated was promoting the use of liquid photopolymer and I-plate production. United Engravers purchased a 52-x110-inch MacDermid liquid photopolymer machine in the spring of 2009 to account for these changes. The carbon footprint is smaller in an I-plate, because photopolymer forms only in the imaged areas. The I-plate technology also eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs). I-plates are washed out with soap and water instead of solvent.

Green efforts are ongoing at United Engravers. Future steps may include purchasing a larger quantity of wind power, as well as taking additional measures to lessen the company’s carbon footprint.