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

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.

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

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

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

Charter Films Source Reduction and Sustainability Solutions:

Superior Gauge Control/Superior Yield Control (pdf)
Coextrusion Technology (pdf)
Returnable/recyclable plastic pallet programs
Use of biodegradable cleaners and blast media
Use of RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) compliant electronics and components when available
Use of RoHS-compliant equipment on new equipment
Support of Minnesota Power intiative on Hydro, Wind and Solar Power