Windsor Marketing Group, one of the country’s largest producers of in-store sign programs, has undergone an extensive effort to reduce waste and the production of hazardous materials. The proactive approach WMG has taken will identify issues before they become problematic. WMG’s efforts are a stellar example of how superb management and technology can bring better capabilities to an organization, in addition to maintaining a strong commitment to an environmentally sound operation.

The efforts began in April of 2002, when WMG hired an environmental consulting team from GATF, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. WMG and GATF looked at the following areas for evaluation and improvement: wastewater disposal, hazardous waste management, air pollution control and storm water generation.

The wastewater and hazardous materials areas presented several opportunities for improvements. To diminish the output of hazardous materials, WMG invested in two CTP (computer to plate) processors, at a cost of more than one million dollars. By utilizing CTP technology, WMG eliminated conventional film and plate processing resulting in silver being removed from the wastewater, thus reducing WMG ’s output of hazardous materials. WMG also eliminated the use of film in the printing process. This process also reduced hazardous waste, as the chemicals used to etch the plates will no longer be required. WMG then began focusing on managing PH levels. The company invested in a machine to neutralize its high PH content. According to Dr. Ho, while WMG is not required to control PH, WMG made the investment to ensure they were doing everything possible to reduce chemicals during the production process. By utilizing the Metafix machine, the press wash from each job is transformed from a chemically volatile liquid, to one that can be safely recycled. Since its installation, WMG has gone from producing 220 gallons of wastewater monthly to a mere five gallons per month.

Other wastewater reduction measurements included the investment in a solvent recovery distillation system. This involves the separation of chemicals from the water, which is then reused as virgin material. The investment in this system was considerable, but having it in place ensures that harmful solvents used in the production process will be dramatically reduced. WMG also uses environmentally friendly, soy-based inks, to further mitigate the emission of toxins.

Extending this effort to reduce waste and hazardous materials, WMG initiated a formal Waste Management Program in which all of the output from the production process is reviewed every day. According to GATF, daily inspections for the handling of hazardous materials are not necessary. Dr. Ho states this is just another example of WMG commitment to the environment.

In analyzing air pollution it was determined that WMG’s emission rate is very low for such a large company. Despite this, the company proactively monitors emissions very closely to identify any problems early. WMG prepares a report of how much VOC (volatile organic compound) is being evaporated in the air. The VOC tonnage is estimated and recorded. Safety coordinators and operations managers review the reports to determine any increases in VOCs, so that steps can be taken immediately to mitigate the situation.

The GATF technical team also evaluated storm water, which drains into the public system. The findings were that the storm water at WMG was not hazardous.

According to Kevin F. Armata, WMG’s CEO, “Our goal is to be the very best in products, services and commitment to the environment.

We will do everything we can to accomplish this objective”.

WMG will continue its commitment to a top-notch product, state-of-the-art facilities and an ongoing goal to be the best. Not only does this determination result in superior products and services, it contributes to overall public safety by safer disposal and management of materials. By recycling its waste streams, reducing wastewater, and installing better technologies, WMG has demonstrated vision, leadership and a commitment to a safer environment.




	Retail Communications that are good for business and good for the environment! Windsor Marketing Group, one of the country’s largest producers of in-store sign programs, has undergone an extensive effort to reduce waste and the production of hazardous materials. The proactive approach WMG has taken will identify issues before they become problematic. WMG’s efforts are a stellar example of how superb management and technology can bring better capabilities to an organization, in addition to maintaining a strong commitment to an environmentally sound operation. The efforts began in April of 2002, when WMG hired an environmental consulting team from GATF, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. WMG and GATF looked at the following areas for evaluation and improvement: wastewater disposal, hazardous waste management, air pollution control and storm water generation. The wastewater and hazardous materials areas presented several opportunities for improvements. To diminish the output of hazardous materials, WMG invested in two CTP (computer to plate) processors, at a cost of more than one million dollars. By utilizing CTP technology, WMG eliminated conventional film and plate processing resulting in silver being removed from the wastewater, thus reducing WMG ’s output of hazardous materials. WMG also eliminated the use of film in the printing process. This process also reduced hazardous waste, as the chemicals used to etch the plates will no longer be required. WMG then began focusing on managing PH levels. The company invested in a machine to neutralize its high PH content. According to Dr. Ho, while WMG is not required to control PH, WMG made the investment to ensure they were doing everything possible to reduce chemicals during the production process. By utilizing the Metafix machine, the press wash from each job is transformed from a chemically volatile liquid, to one that can be safely recycled. Since its installation, WMG has gone from producing 220 gallons of wastewater monthly to a mere five gallons per month. Other wastewater reduction measurements included the investment in a solvent recovery distillation system. This involves the separation of chemicals from the water, which is then reused as virgin material. The investment in this system was considerable, but having it in place ensures that harmful solvents used in the production process will be dramatically reduced. WMG also uses environmentally friendly, soy-based inks, to further mitigate the emission of toxins. Extending this effort to reduce waste and hazardous materials, WMG initiated a formal Waste Management Program in which all of the output from the production process is reviewed every day. According to GATF, daily inspections for the handling of hazardous materials are not necessary. Dr. Ho states this is just another example of WMG commitment to the environment. In analyzing air pollution it was determined that WMG’s emission rate is very low for such a large company. Despite this, the company proactively monitors emissions very closely to identify any problems early. WMG prepares a report of how much VOC (volatile organic compound) is being evaporated in the air. The VOC tonnage is estimated and recorded. Safety coordinators and operations managers review the reports to determine any increases in VOCs, so that steps can be taken immediately to mitigate the situation. The GATF technical team also evaluated storm water, which drains into the public system. The findings were that the storm water at WMG was not hazardous. According to Kevin F. Armata, WMG’s CEO, “Our goal is to be the very best in products, services and commitment to the environment. We will do everything we can to accomplish this objective”. WMG will continue its commitment to a top-notch product, state-of-the-art facilities and an ongoing goal to be the best. Not only does this determination result in superior products and services, it contributes to overall public safety by safer disposal and management of materials. By recycling its waste streams, reducing wastewater, and installing better technologies, WMG has demonstrated vision, leadership and a commitment to a safer environment.