Environmental Report Card

Alcom became the 13th printer in the United States to be certified as a sustainable green printer by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. We believe in doing what we can to maintain the health and viability of the world in which we live. The SGP encourages participation in the worldwide movement to reduce environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry. This certification is given to those who have built an ongoing sustainable approach to doing business every day to minimize the impact on our environment and yours.

Alcom has implemented a sustainability management system (SMS) that measures specific steps to reduce our environmental footprint. We have implemented pollution prevention activities and committed to fundamental social and ethical norms. Alcom provides annual reporting and takes part in an independent biennial certification audit to assure we are doing all we can to make our facility, our processes and our work habits healthy for our employees and our planet.

We are committed to using suppliers with as strong environmental initiatives such as you. Alcom’s green initiative can help you meet your corporate sustainability goals; don’t hesitate to ask how we can support your objectives.

SGP Partnership website

Alcom embraces sustainability. In the past year, Alcom has recycled close to 5 million pounds of recyclable materials, which included 4,951,219 pounds of paper and cardboard materials, 5,859 pounds of steel and 18,551 pounds of aluminum. We’ve reduced our VOC emissions to 7.58 tons; 9.42 tons less than permitted by the DEP. Through the adaption of new technology we have eliminated the use of photographic film and hazardous waste silver.

Ink and Solvents
Alcom has instituted an ink mixing program where every ounce of leftover ink is blended into a "special black" which is suitable for many projects. The creation of this special blend has drastically reduced our ink waste stream. Reducing the toxicity of our chemicals and reusing many by-products keeps the environment safer and sends less material to landfills. Alcom has eliminated the use of isopropyl alcohol in the pressroom, and uses safer and lower VOC vegetable-based inks and solvents.

Waste
Ink and oil are hauled away and recycled as fuel blends. Light bulbs, computer parts and used batteries are safely disposed with a company who safely removes any harmful materials.

Employee Initiatives
Alcom has also encouraged its employees to engage in these efforts and has initiated an internal volunteer employee committee called the “Sustainable Green Committee” whose efforts have implemented a facility-wide recycling program, collecting plastic water bottles, office paper and aluminum cans. The Green Committee meets weekly, organizing efforts to maintain our position as a “Sustainable Green Printer”, by insuring that we incorporate green business practices to provide environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

Renovation Considerations
Alcom utilizes efficient, energy saving products and fixtures in all renovation projects throughout the facility. Recent upgrades include the installation of motion detectors for lighting on infrequently used spaces, and upgrading our lighting from high bay 350 watt metal halite to energy efficient T8 fluorescent fixtures. To ensure our HVAC systems are operating properly, Alcom installed an Energy Management System. The EMS remotely monitors and controls the cycling of the HVAC units, drastically reducing power usage and setback temperatures. Future renovations include installation of efficient toilets and plumbing, and the purchase of energy star appliances.

Maintain Full EHS Regulatory Compliance
Alcom commits to meet all local and national environmental, health and safety regulations applicable to our business. We commit to not only receiving outside third party verification on our compliance, but to also conduct internal audits to help ensure compliance year round.

Choose Green Suppliers
Alcom commits to using suppliers with environmental initiatives wherever possible in order to encourage sustainability throughout all industries, not just our own. Therefore we will request all suppliers to submit a statement of their environmental policy as well as have them give us supporting evidence for any green claims they make.

As we focus towards the future and the protection of our environment, we look to minimize our carbon footprint so that future generations can thrive in a clean and healthy planet.