Paragon Label and Global Packaging praised by industry body for environmental efforts

California’s Paragon Label claimed the top prize in the 13th annual FTA Environmental Excellence Award program, while Global Packaging, of Pennsylvania, earned an honorable mention.

Paragon Label, a 20-year-old FTA member, specializes in printing fine quality pressure-sensitive labels, and operates a number of programs that save energy, reduce waste, cut water use and minimize solvent air emissions.

The facility has energy-saving compressors, more efficient lighting, low flow water fixtures, in-house waste water treatment, digital platemaking equipment, drought tolerant landscaping and a variety of recycling areas. It has also created the “Green Team”, and brought in assistance to help them find ways to further reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

The 2013 award is the second time Paragon has claimed the top FTA’s Environmental Excellence Award.

Competition judge Pat Nienhaus, of the Lauterback Group, said: said: ‘Paragon stood out because of its very positive influence to the community and surrounding area via tours and outreach.’

Fellow judge Allen Marquardt of industry giant Kimberly Clark said: ‘Paragon Label went over and above the normal scope of a printer.’

‘This is a great honor,’ said Jason Grossman (pictured), Paragon Label president. ‘For more than a decade we have been very environmentally active. Our goal has been to influence our employees, customers, visitors and the community to get involved and committed to their own sustainable practices. It’s good for the planet and it’s good for business.’

Global Packaging specializes in printed roll stock and converted bags for the consumer product, food, bakery, confectionary and pet food markets. It earned an honorable mention thanks to pollution prevention, waste reduction and lean manufacturing initiatives it has undertaken in recent years. In 2009, Global Packaging was the first flexographic facility certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. It is also the second time it has received an award in the FTA Environmental Excellence competition, having been awarded an honorable mention in 2005.