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Sustainability
1. Sustainability Definition (www.sustainablepackaging.org)
2. Charter Films Sustainability Vision Statement
3. Charter Films Internal Sustainability Activities
4. Charter Films Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Sustainable Packaging*:
- is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and communities throughout its life cycle
- meets market criteria for performance and cost
- is sourced, manufactured, transported and recycled using renewable energy
- maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials
- is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices
- is made from materials healthy in all probable end of life scenarios
- is physically designed to optimize materials and energy
- is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle-to-cradle cycles
* Sustainable Packaging Coalition
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Charter Films Sustainability Vision Statement
Charter Films will strive to reduce the impact that our internal operations have on the environment through sustainable practices and source reduction initiatives. In addition, we will seek to provide our customers with solutions designed to help them produce products that are inherently more sustainable.
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Charter Films Internal Sustainability Activities:
Charter Films, Inc. has been aware of the possible environmental impact of its operations from the onset in 1998. Charter Films has worked to reduce that impact by several means:
From the Start:
- 100% recycling of all batteries
- Aluminum can and plastic recycling throughout the office and production areas
- Paper recycling throughout the office and production areas
- 100% reclaim and recycling of all petroleum based lubricants
- Support of Minnesota Power Intiative on hydro, wind and solar power
2002:
- Converted 15% of total business to “no packaging” — considerably impacting the disposal of packaging materials
2003:
- Started 100% recycling program of expired electronics and computer equipment
2005:
- Started program to recycle 98% of all cardboard and core materials
2006:
- Reduced gross scrap rate by 10%
- Integrated system to maximize outbound freight shipments
- Started packaging program to reduce the amount of stretch wrap by 4%
2007:
- Installation of a heat recovery system, increasing energy savings by 20%
- Purchased and installed a 30-yard self-contained trash compactor, reducing transportation to the recovery center by 100 trucks per year
- Utilized building design techniques to optimize natural lighting, saving up to 25% in energy costs
- Qualified for the State of Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program by installing energy-efficient lighting, refrigeration and HVAC systems
2008:
- Dust collection systems installed on recycling and unloading equipment to prevent indoor and outdoor environmental contamination
- Installed compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) controlled by occupancy sensors replacing 95 existing T12 fixtures in infrequently occupied storage areas; saving approximately 60,000 kWh of energy compared to T12 fixtures illuminated 24 hours/day
2009:
- Installed a custom-built high energy efficiency process chilling system
- The chilling system has an energy efficiency rating (EER) of 15.8 compared to industry average rating of 10
- Installed process water recycling/recovery system to provide for reuse of process water
2010:
- Installation of dock door/dock leveler seals to reduce cold air infiltration and reduce energy expended for heating
- Four destratification fans were installed in warehouse areas to bring warm air down from upper ceiling areas reducing the amount of gas heat required to maintain acceptable temperature
- Replaced 124 existing T12 light fixtures (200 lamps) with T8 fixtures that use high-efficiency electronic ballasts for an average energy savings of 35% (30,000 kWh)
- New EREMA plastic recycling line installed increasing in-house recycling capacity
2011:
- Replaced an additional 80 T12 fixtures with T8 fixtures year-to-date
- Continued ongoing projects started in 2007 to use filtered outside air for internal building cooling rather than using less energy efficient mechanical cooling
- An additional EREMA plastic recycling line to increase in-house plastic recycling capacity
Charter Fims Sustainability Projects/Goals: 2 - 5 years — Long-term Direction:
- Reduce gross scrap rate by 10% per year
- Expand packaging reduction and recycling programs by 10% per year
- Increase the internal recycling of scrap to 90%
- Upgrade lighting in productions areas, with expected energy saving of up to 30%
- Continue to utilize natural lighting in all expansion projects
- Continue product portfolio and source reduction initiatives through multilayer and raw material selections
- Continue with programs to reduce packaging supplies as well as expand exchange programs of reusable materials, further reducing material waste
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Charter Films Source Reduction and Sustainability Solutions:
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