Hemlock named Most Environmentally Progressive Printer in Canada
March 01, 2007
Hemlock wins two gold awards at the Environmental Printing Awards. Hemlock Printers Ltd. was the only company to garner two gold awards at the 2007 Environmental Printing Awards, held last month in Toronto. For the second consecutive year, Hemlock has been named the Most Environmentally Progressive Printer in Canada for its efforts to position sustainability as a critical consideration in the company’s business strategy. Widely known as an environmental influence on a local and global scale, the Vancouver-based, family-owned printer received a second gold award for Most Environmentally Progressive Print Project. This award was presented for the unique Holiday Gift Wrap Set, a piece that Hemlock prints using eco-friendly practices as a gift to clients. These awards complement the company’s 2005 Ethics in Action Award for Environmental Excellence and the two awards received at the 2006 Environmental Printing Awards, as well as the over 160 awards for print excellence that the company has won in the last year.
Hemlock’s most significant sustainability achievements of 2006 include:
- Installation of an e-waste recycling centre that has helped to divert over 2,000 lbs. of techno-trash from landfill
- Implementation of a comprehensive waste reduction strategy that has allowed the company to reduce waste pick-ups from every day to three times weekly
- Conversion of half of the company’s delivery fleet to biodiesel
- Development of an environmentally friendly line of house papers at Hemlock’s digital division
“We are continually working on improving our processes to reduce impacts. We see it as a journey,” says Hemlock President & CEO, Dick Kouwenhoven. “We hope to take things one step further by helping our clients and printing industry colleagues to be environmentally responsible. These awards are recognitions that we share with our clients and suppliers.”
The Environmental Printing Awards, a PrintAction Magazine event, recognize excellence in Canadian environmental stewardship across the print-based communications supply chain. Hemlock’s initiative in moving the graphic arts industry towards greener practices has positioned the company as a promoter of sustainability.
“We realize that it’s not enough to make some changes, bask in the glory of the award, and then be dormant. We’ve got to keep evaluating and making changes, and then re-evaluating and making more changes,” Kouwenhoven says. “Sustainability is an integral part of our business – we think about it every day.”