Consistent with our approach at our pressing plant, every major decision we make in our plating operation must take into account the environmental consequences, and take the approach which has the least environment impact. We believe in making choices that have real impact – not just marketing statements. We recognize that no manufacturing operation can truly be zero-impact on the environment. However, we strongly believe that it can be run in a responsible manner, minimizing waste and contamination, and preventing long-term negative environmental impacts.
We worked closely with the Ohio EPA and the Columbus Division of Water during the planning and initial implementation phases of our plating facility, to make sure we set things up the right way. Here are some specific ways our operation makes the smallest footprint on the environment as possible:
- Our electricity is generated through a Green-E Certified wind power plan
- Zero wastewater from our operation is put into the sewer – wastewater is evaporated
- Supply materials are sourced and used in manners to minimize waste. For example, we recycle the nitrile gloves used in our processes via TerraCycle; all plastic sleeves we use for stampers are made from 100% recycled (and recyclable) plastic; packing tape is industrially compostable; stamper jackets and packing cartons are reused continuously until they can no longer serve their purpose; empty bottles/boxes/containers are recycled.
- Scrap metal is recycled.
- Our plating operation generates less than 20 yards of landfill waste per year. (By comparison, one person generates approx. 7.9 yards of waste per year).
- The county landfill where our waste is directed has a partnership with a local energy producer which captures and converts the landfill gas (the methane generated by the breakdown of organic materials within the landfill) into renewable natural gas, which is then pipelined to local natural gas consumers.
- Process ink (B&W and CMYK) printed record labels are printed using a solar-powered printing press.
Finally, our Columbus, Ohio location is within a 2-3 business day ground ship transit time of 80% of the pressing plants located in the USA and Canada, thus minimizing the need for air shipping.