Maple Press Receives Pa. Governor’s Award

The Maple Press Co. in York, Pa., was recently recognized as one of 15 businesses and organizations by Gov. Edward G. Rendell for adopting environmentally friendly practices and technologies, and working to revitalize communities, reduce pollution and educate the public on the benefits of being good stewards of the state of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

“What these businesses and organizations, and one inspiring educator, all have common is their ability to view environmental challenges as opportunities to do things differently,” said Governor Rendell in announcing the recipients of the 2009 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.“ Their leadership is inspiring, and together we will continue to preserve and protect the commonwealth’s precious natural resources.”

Maple Press won the award for its recent implementation of the THINKTech printing system, a process which dramatically reduces emissions and overall energy use. The VOC emissions are now down to 3 percent, a 90 percent reduction from previous levels. This process has resulted in the elimination of the ovens and chillers normally needed for web printing, reducing energy costs by 80 percent on the initial press. Maple Press expects to annually save $30,000 to $40,000 in electricity and natural gas due to THINKTech.

“It’s become a real trend to be a green printer,” said Steve Brooks, prep/press superintendent at Maple-Vail. “But, what we are doing is completely different. It’s about being green and lean. THINKTech has changed the way books are printed. The process allows printers to reduce their energy costs and VOCs while increasing quality. It’s an entire manufacturing process and one that our whole team is behind. We are committed to doing what’s right for our industry and environment.”

This year, the Department of Environmental Protection in Pa. received 40 applications from businesses and organizations across the state. The projects were judged on environmental protection, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact, and innovative technology.

The Maple Press Co. is one of the two printing plants of The Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing Group. Maple Press, along with its sister plant in Binghamton, N.Y., manufacturers hardcover and papercover books in a wide range of trim sizes, bind styles and run lengths. The business also provides distribution services from three locations in central Pennsylvania to offer complete book manufacturing and distribution services to a wide range of book publishers.