The Empire Green Environment

 

Years ago it was relatively easy to dismiss conservation efforts as "a good idea, but too expensive".

At Empire, we believe that it is far more expensive to do business in a wasteful manner.

There is a price business pays for turning a blind eye to our environment, and to conservation. The toll on employees, on work force productivity, and on the environment at large is simply too great.

So Empire is once again leading our industry in our efforts to recycle, conserve, and reinvent how we go about producing the products business requires. From our inks to our light bulbs, from the CEO's office to the shop floor, we have made significant changes for the better and continue to consider every aspect of our workplace and our processes in the larger arena of a cleaner, healthier, and better environment.

 

We Work Where We Live

 

Empire is located in one of the most pristine areas of Wisconsin. The La Crosse area is a magnificent moment of rivers,lakes, bluffs, and wildlife. Known to geologists as "The Driftless Area" because it is an area untouched by glaciers, The Coulee Region is home to national championship bass fishing, gun and bow hunting, birdwatching, and a multitude of outdoor activities including biking, skiing, boating, snowmobiling, ice fishing and much, much more.

 

Within this environment is Empire Screen Printing, located on 170 acres of forest, field and bluff. One look out any window of our corporate offices confirms what we already know; this area, and all others like it, require strong corporate citizenship where environmental issues are concerned.

And Empire will continue to meet that challenge, and more.

 

The Empire Commitment

Empire recycles inks, screen wash, and all chemical cleaners used on site.

All plastic liners from materials are re-used in our packaging to protect parts. This eliminates the need for packing peanuts and other packing materials.

Empire recycles all e-waste. We also strip all out-dated computer equipment for good parts and re-use them on other computers.

All waste materials not recycled internally are compacted and shipped to the local power co-op to be converted into clean energy. It does not end up in a landfill.

All used light bulbs and appliances are sent to offsite recycling facilities.

We reuse internal office forms for scratch paper and note taking internally.

We are currently converting all CRT's to more energy efficient LCD's that require one third the energy.

By converting to a paper-less workflow, Empire reduces waste and improves efficiency. Customers receive proofs, quotes and notifications almost instantly via e-mail.

Empire recycles all cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.

Empire has installed a direct-to-screen unit that will eliminate the production of films.

Empire uses ink systems with low VOC's as well as hazardous air pollutants. 98% of our inks are UV, virtually eliminating solvent based inks.