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 BIG INK Display Graphics has made that commitment.
BIG INK’s committee, formed in 2007, continues to explore ways in which they can become more environmentally friendly. This committee, called “The Green Team,” consists of representatives from all company departments on a mission to invent, investigate, implement and share the best available sustainable business practices for clients, the industry and community.
“We are dedicated to constantly improving our processes to eliminate waste, reduce energy consumption, and promote recycling and reuse of resources,” commented BIG INK President Thomas Trutna.
With a focus on respecting the three Rs — Reduce, Recycle and Reuse — the Green Team identified specific problem areas, and set goals to address them:
Paper/Trash
Recycling bins have been added to all workstations, where, now, 90 percent of mixed office paper is recycled — including envelopes, magazines, copy paper, etc. Designated bins have also been added to the production area to capture paper and cardboard that was otherwise discarded as waste. In 2013, applied floor graphics provided six designated spots for recycling receptacles close to each work area in the production department. By placing a recycling container near each production station, BIG INK was able to increase their recycling by 25%.
They also added bottle and can recycling receptacles to the production floor and lunchroom to capture aluminum, plastic and glass recycling streams.
“We know that this is just a start, but by leading by example, we intend to find new ways to do small things that make a big difference,” Trutna went on to say.
Other Materials
They also added bottle and can recycling receptacles to the production floor and lunchroom to capture aluminum, plastic and glass recycling streams. Used MDO sign faces are listed, and sold on Craig’s List; unused pallets are sent to a recycling facility, and transformed into landscaping products. Shipping materials are also being reused. This dedication to recycling is communicated to customers who receive recycled packaging, and through sales staff encouraged to promote substrates over than PVC and plastics. By simply offering an alternative, BIG INK has found many customers “delighted by the part they can play.”
Small changes make a big difference.
New for 2014 and 2015, BIG INK created its Production Floor Challenges Board, where reruns are reviewed in every production meeting and posted to shop floor board for everyone to review. Based on suggestions from employees, reruns have decreased about 10 percent, cutting down on cost and waste. They have also implemented designated spots in the production area for recycling bins, leading to a 25-percent increase in recycled products.
For more information about BIG INK’s commitment to sustainability, or to learn more about the services they offer, visit www.inkbig.com.
About BIG INK
BIG INK is a visual communications company that specializes in branded solutions for events, exhibits and commercial environments. Our services include design assistance, program and logistics management, high-resolution printing, 3D rendering and fabrication, installation and fulfillment that enable us to engage, inspire and connect consumers to your brand.