Green Cerification
Empire is committed to the goal of going green. It is our objective to become green certified locally through the Wisconsin DNR and nationally through SGIA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association). This objective will be achieved by using SGIA's Plan, Do, Check, Act, which is a four-step sustainability action plan.
Action Plan, Action Plan Goals, Green Sustainability Policy
Empire 2013 SGIA Sustainability Recognition Program Honoree
UV LED Ink Curing Technology
Empire, alongside Phoseon Technology, Nazdar Inks and Coatings, and Kammann USA, have implemented a new Kammann printer and revolutionized screen printing with its UV LED ink curing technology! Here are some ways this new system helps the environment:
- An industry first that eliminates ozone emissions and CFMs (mercury lamps emit ozone, which requires ventilation systems to remove ozone from the work place, equating to higher energy consumption. The amount of air exchange is calculated by measuring the CFMs)
- Cubic Feet per Minute: the amount of air exchange leaving and entering a facility
- LED lamps pull significantly less energy and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet
- Manufacturing space is reduced due to the elimination of ventilation system
- Lower operating cost
- Lower heat emission (lights do not produce heat, eliminating the need to warm up or cool down)
- Less heat results in less substrate distortion and eliminates potential fires related to heat
- Safer working conditions and improved air quality
- High speed printing with rapid ink curing, significantly lowering energy consumption
- 14-year LED bulb life eliminates the use and disposal of mercury bulbs, compared to 1,000 hours of life for a standard mercury vapor bulb
- Consistent UV output over the life of the bulb
Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle
Our commitment doesn't just stop at UV LED technology. Here are ways we help in all levels of our company, implementing these programs to reduce, re-use, and recycle:
- recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and metals
- recycle ink, screen wash, and all chemical cleaners used on site
- all plastic liners from materials are reused in our packaging to protect parts and eliminate the need for packing peanuts and other packing materials
- recycle all e-waste by stripping older electronic components for use within the company
- all remaining electronic waste is e-cycled according to EPA standards, with safe recycling of outdated electronics, promoting sound management of toxic chemicals like lead and mercury
- all waste materials not recycled internally are compacted and shipped to the local power co-op to be converted into clean energy and do not end up in a landfill
- all used light bulbs and appliances are sent to offsite recycling facilities
- currently replacing all CRT monitors with more energy-efficient LCD monitors that require 1/3 of the energy
- use recycled print cartridges on all laser paper printers
- converting to a paperless workflow to reduce waste and improve efficiency; customers receive proofs, quotes, and notifications almost instantly via email
- installed 2 direct-to-screen units--we are now film free!
- use ink systems with low VOC's and hazardous air pollutants, with 98% of our inks being UV (virtually eliminating solvent-based inks)
As a company, we are also buying green. This means when purchasing supplies and equipment, we are looking for products that:
- contain fewer toxic constituents
- use recycled materials in the new product
- are designed for easy upgrading or disassemby
- use minimal packaging
- offer leasing or take back options
By buying green and committing to the three R's, Empire is helping to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and save energy. The time, money, and materials saved by implementing various recycling programs benefit Empire, our environment, and our customers.
