Sustainability is of growing importance to specialty imagers, and SGIA’s Sustainability Recognition Program strives to recognize members as they take steps toward realizing sustainable business practices. Adopting a sustainable business ethic requires a strong commitment on the part of both management and the workforce, and Global Products Inc. has made that commitment.
“Global Products, Inc. is committed to promoting sustainable work environments and business practices based on sound economics, environmental protection and social responsibility,” commented Jan Weyrich, the company’s operations manager.
Weyrich and her team have managed a carbon footprint reduction of 10 percent. New for 2015, Global has purchased a Warehouse Management System in tandem with consolidation software to utilize barcode scanning and eliminate paper printing of pick tickets. Global also boasts the sought-after SGP Certification, which they received in July of 2015.
Often going beyond what is subject to regulation, Global Products has made continuous improvement a priority. Measures taken have increased heating, cooling and ventilation system efficiency by as much as 10 percent. Energy efficient heaters were purchased for warehouse and production bays, while spot coolers for employee comfort and an Energy Star air conditioner for the server room have been acquired. They've also reduced material waste within the direct embroidery department by 10 percent. Older, less efficient machines have been replaced by new direct embroidery equipment with expanded sewing field dimensions.
Transforming into and prospering as a sustainable operation requires the involvement of all stakeholders, a necessity Global Products does not neglect. The company’s sustainability policy is communicated in many and various ways: A policy posting in reception; intercompany safety & sustainability email tips; sustainability bulletin boards found in break rooms; and through departmental meeting updates. In this respect, Global Products has really taken the initiative; a sustainable purchasing policy sent to suppliers actively seeks out eco-friendly products, and customers are made especially aware of eco-friendly options offered.
New for 2014 and 2015, Global Products has replaced 12 toilets with dual-flush, water-saver toilets, as well as reduced waste of raw materials within their Direct Embroidery department by 65 percent. To save resources, 96 percent of production employees are cross trained.
On the product side, Global Products has purchased an additional printer for sublimation transfers with an increase in speed of 42 percent over their existing printer. They have also added a dual heat press that heats both the top and bottom for doubled-sided sublimation. These additions to their line increases their overall efficiency, meaning less time is wasted on the floor.
They are also taking recyling to a new level by using cardboard boxes as recycling receptacles in their sublimation department.
Global Products doesn't stop there. They are not only committed to sustainability as a company, but they ensure that their employees are committed by incorporating all sustainability practices and ideals into their training.
“It is our duty to protect the environment in any way we can,” said Weyrich. “We will continue to communicate with and educate our employees, vendors, customers and community of our commitment to sustainable standards.”
For more information about Global Products’ commitment to sustainability, or to learn more about the services they offer, visit www.gpii.com.
About Global Products Inc.
Global Products, Inc. was incorporated in 1995 and is a premier provider of promotional items, fundraiser items, logoed apparel, merchandise and warehouse distribution to organizations of all shapes and sizes.
We are a dealer-exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Harley-Davidson® official licensed headwear, giftware and collectibles. We supply thousands of products & services to more than 1,000 Harley-Davidson® dealerships worldwide.
Four worldwide locations are staffed by dedicated, hard-working people who are ready to exceed your expectations of high quality products & worldwide warehouse/distribution services.