Every Bit Counts:  Pacific Bindery Services Environmental Initiatives

We use a significant amount of compressed air to operate the bindery machines and vacuum baling system. This requires compressors, which in turn use filters and lubricating oil. We recycle the filters and also separate the waste oil-water mix condensate. The recovered oil is sent to recyclers and the filtered water is used to water the lawn and for other uses.

Continuous Environmental Improvement

We have established and maintained a program of continuous environmental improvement and a target of zero spills of pollutants. By reducing the volume of its discharge of air, liquid and solid waste, we not only reduce the pressure on landfills and reduce costs, but also help to protect the air we breathe and the life in our waterways.

The CleanPrint BC Process

We’ve completed the CleanPrint BC Environmental Management Plan (EMP) program and have earned the right to proudly display the CleanPrint BC logo. This is a process that begins very much as an awareness and educational journey in to the processes and products used in the shop. The program helped us to complete a comprehensive study of all regulations and to implement best environmental practices.

Pacific Bindery is the only bindery and finishing organization in British Columbia to be CleanPrint BC-certified.  We were committed to this program some years ago and were pleased to achieve our certification.  Today, the CleanPrint BC program has been halted by lack of funding however the print industry organizations that were certified through the process were pioneers of what is now known as the sustainability movement.

CleanPrint BC is a non-profit partnership comprised of members of the printing industry, including printers and suppliers, as well as representatives from municipal, provincial, and federal governments. The ultimate goal of CleanPrint BC is to support improved environmental management practices in BC’s flexography, screen and offset printing operations. The result is improved protection of the environment and human health while maintaining economic competitiveness. The CleanPrint BC strategy is to develop and provide printers with the tools they need to prepare and support site-specific environmental management plans. Printers, which complete the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), also follow the Best Management Practices (BMP) developed by CleanPrint BC.

Here at Pacific Bindery, we pledge to protect the environment by supporting CleanPrint BC initiatives, following best management practices and promoting an environmental management system as a tool to better control waste and pollution.