The Results
Since the creation of Rethink® – our business has seen major changes to the way we work.
The following examples of reductions in resource use, process optimisation and responsible business practices are a direct result of our Environmental Management System.
Project 1: Ducted Heating System
In 2008 we developed a customised ducting unit to expel heat from the major printing press unit. Heat is ducted into the roof cavity during summer and back into the press room during winter. This unit greatly assists the climate control units throughout the plant.
Project 2: Closed Container Loop
Through detailed negotiations with our suppliers, we have successfully created a Chemical Container Closed Loop System. The first for any Tasmanian Printing Company. This process provides benefit to both us and our supplier.
Bulk chemicals are stored by our supplier and decanted into smaller containers suitable for use on the Print floor. An example of a single set of containers is 3 containers on the print floor, 3 containers at the supplier being filled and 3 containers to allow for transport times. This system has eliminated all waste chemical containers (of which we had to pay for disposal) and creates a stronger collaboration and loyalty with our supplier.
Project 3: Solar Hot Water System
In 2006 we successfully tendered to receive Government assistance to replace three electric hot water systems with one solar powered system. Currently we use no power at all to heat our hot water for the entire plant.
Our Major Objective for 2009 is Waste Reduction
The first stage of reducing our waste production was to assess the entire production stream. From this assessment, areas of waste production were highlighted for further scrutiny or immediate actions put in place.
Current Waste Management Processes include:
- All recyclable paper waste (97%) is recycled;
- The remaining 3% is mostly from outside suppliers. This is being addressed through current negotiations with suppliers;
- All plastic, cardboards are recycled;
- All aluminium is bought back by scrap metal merchants;
- All hazardous material is disposed of according to the Environmental Management Practices Act 1997; and
- All suppliers of waste removal have provided documentation of disposal methods and appropriate certificates.
Site assessment
Previous initiatives displaying Environmental Responsibility
Pre-Press
In 2004, we undertook a major investment in new technology to improve the production process in time, money and resources. A Mako Computer-to-Plate (CTP) system was installed to replace the film stage of prepress.
The benefits:
- We eliminated vast amounts of silver bromide based chemical processing;
- The processing time was reduced by approx. 75%; and
- Cost savings associated with eliminating film, chemical and handling are passed on to the client.
Printing Press Machinery
In 2005 we installed a Heidelberg SpeedMaster 74 as our primary printing press. Apart from the benefit of printing 5 colour A2 sheets at phenomenal speeds, the new press had other benefits:
- Direct computer-to-press imaging presets the ink ducts before the job is started — reducing setup waste by 90%;
- The new dampening system reduces water usages by 83%; and
- Although there are no benchmarks for power usage, we are investigating new add-on technologies available for massive power reductions.
Environmental Dashboard
- Chemical usage currently 84% of 2005/2006 levels.
- Total waste down 24% of 2005/2006 levels.
- Reduced trade waste going to landfill down 40% of 2005/2006 levels.
- Offset the cost of waste collection through aluminium plate recycling (+$6,370 in 2007/2008).
