While the drive for workable, sustainable solutions for a cleaner environment may seem complex and even somewhat daunting to most of us, it is vital that we each do our part in contributing to a cleaner, healthier Earth. That is why the Flexographic Technical Association hosts the FTA Environmental Excellence Awards. Through this awards program, FTA honors those companies and organizations for that utilize environmentally sound resources and practices that contribute to a healthier Earth and a healthier way of life. Your entries can help promote the spread of the best environmental practices and contribute to the safety and well being of us all. Eligibility
Any company active in the flexgraphic printing industry is invited to enter. Projects will be judged in two categories: process improvement and technical innovation. They may include, but not are limited to:
- Changes in production process or raw materials which reduce the volume and/or toxicity of waste* produced.
- Processes that recover reusable materials or energy that otherwise would be considered waste.
- Improved operation and/or maintenance of existing process equipment and methods that reduce or prevent waste generation.
- Technology/product developments that results in reduced waste being released/generated from a facility.
- Outreach and educational programs to promote pollution prevention.
Projects submitted for consideration must be completed or in substantial progress in 2007.
*The term waste includes air emissions, water emissions, hazardous and solid waste. Criteria
Evaluation of applications will be based on the following (please address each as completely as possible):
- Describe the environmental project, program or technology. Identify the pollution or other environmental problems that motivated your facility to undertake the project. Describe any new process, equipment or procedures. Discuss operational, maintenance or other improvements. Describe employee education or involvement component of the program. Describe partnerships that were created or strengthened by the project.
- Waste volume/toxicity reduction. Quantify the reduction in volume and/or toxicity of waste and the methods used to measure reduction. Was a waste stream reduced or eliminated without transfer to another environmental medium? Was a hazardous waste stream made non-hazardous or less hazardous? Was the reduction required by or in anticipation of a regulation or consent order? Was the reduction in volume or toxicity independent of any production unit reduction? How did actual results compare to expectations?
- Environmental, economic and other benefits. Describe environmental improvements resulting from the program. Include information regarding potential or actual impacts on the environment. Discuss how the program may be unique. Discuss, if possible in dollar amount, the cost and economic benefits of the program. Summarize technological innovations or applications.
- Commitment and leadership. Describe written policies or management practices that demonstrate continued commitment and leadership in protecting the environment. Explain employee participation and how ideas were conveyed to management. Explain if there were any improvements in worker safety.
- Relevance to others. Explain how the project can be transferred to others. Does the program/project lend itself to replication by other organizations or individuals?
Application
Applicants must submit to the Flexographic Technical Association an entry fee of $25.00 member | $50.00 non-member and six copies of a detailed description of the change in methods, technology or process that results in reduction or elimination of pollutants as they relate to flexographic printing.
Please address all criteria outlined above in no more than a total of five double-sided pages (not including relevant attachments). All applications must include name, title, address and telephone number of the individual submitting the nomination, and a brief description of the facility including, if appropriate, product or service, number of employees and history. Applicants submitting more than one project must file a complete application for each project.
Please note that by applying, you give FTA permission to publicize a summary of your accomplishments.
Presentation
Winners will be notified by Feb. 8, 2008. Awards will be presented at the National Environmental, Health & Safety Conference for the Graphic Communications Industries and announced at FFTA’s 2008 Annual Forum.
For more information about the Environmental Excellence Awards, contact Doreen M. Monteleone, FTA Director of Membership & EHS Services at 631-737-6020, e-mail dmonteleone@flexography.org. Applications must be received no later than Dec. 31, 2007.
