EnviroStars Press Release

SUCCESS STORY!
PRINTING CONTROL THE FIRST 5 STAR COMMERCIAL PRINTER IN KING COUNTY

Installing a still to recapture solvents used in the printing process is one of the changes taking Printing Control to a 5 Star EnviroStars rating. The company takes this high rating seriously. The 5th star has helped with cost savings and waste reduction and in their effort to be a leading environmental business.

"We are a leader within our corporation on environmental practices," President Rich Lancaster is proud to say. "We put out a great product, we're competitive and our environmental ethic adds to the bottom line. We want to be a good corporate citizen as well as assisting our customers."

The still has reduced solvent use by over 70 percent. A recent audit substituted a parts washer solution to a biodegradable alternative with a higher flash point which reduced the hazardous waste category. Waste disposal in 2005 was under 1,600 pounds, down from the previous year's 4,100 pounds, dropping the company from medium to small quantity generator status.

The waste audits have been valuable, compelling the company to examine all wastes. "It really gets you thinking about how to incrementally change and improve your status and environmental efforts." Lancaster added, "...like disposing of fluorescent lamps. Rey Verduzco, our hazardous waste inspector, has been helpful not only with reviewing our chemistry and hazardous waste disposal, but also with other wastes."

The parent company, Consolidated Graphics in Houston, owns over 70 commercial printers nationwide. A recycling manager has been hired to oversee paper waste contracts and track each company's recycling performance. Printing Control is in the top five of the 20 company group for recycling and rebate income. Almost 10 percent of their operating income comes from recycling materials like paper and aluminum printing plates; this more than pays for disposal of other wastes including hazardous materials.

Their early use of soy based inks has helped to reduce press cleaning chemicals. The company Web site includes a list of "green" paper stocks, a service their customers appreciate. Applying their environmental ethic to production has also attracted leading regional design firms interested in environmental technologies.

Rey Verduzco, EnviroStars auditor, is impressed by their commitment. "They set the standard for their industry as a business that is concerned about their environmental impact on the community."

EnviroStars
EnviroStars is a regional program certifying businesses that properly manage and reduce hazardous waste. In King County the program is a service of the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program.

For more information about EnviroStars or managing hazardous waste, see www.envirostars.com

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