print Sustainability that matters

Sustainable Printing & Best Business Practices

Lake County Press (LCP) has a long history of commitment to ever-evolving recycling sustainability initiatives. First, as a company, we feel an ethical obligation to be a good corporate citizen.

We have a responsibility to make every effort to maximize the effectiveness of the organization’s sustainability efforts for our employees and customers.

In addition, as their long-term partner, our customers depend on us to help strengthen their green initiatives. We believe that dedication to sustainability is a win-win scenario for all stakeholders. 

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Sustainability Efforts – A High-Level Summary 

LCP has implemented these sustainability initiatives into our daily operations.

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Ink Usage

LCP completes an average of 8,500 printed projects each year. Nearly all of the ink used is sourced from our in-house ink department.

Over 80% of our inks utilize vegetable oil, with the remaining 20% being formulated with energy-curable chemistry. LCP was one of the first printers to stop using petroleum solvents in color ink. Our printing inks (conventional and UV) emit zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

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Recycling 

We maintain a company-wide recycling program, in both our office space and manufacturing plant. To make the most efficient use of the recyclables we produce, we have partnered with C&M Recycling to evaluate the materials sent to recycling facilities, thus minimizing our impact on landfills.

Semi-annually, LCP and C&M meet to ensure the effectiveness of our recycling programs is fully optimized. 

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Water Conservation

In the lithography industry, ink and water are two key resources. To minimize water waste, we have designed and installed custom filter systems on our large format machines.

Designed to maintain water purity, the filters have reduced replenishing schedules by up to 65%. As a result of these efforts, over 9,000 gallons of water are saved each year.

Waste Life Cycles

LCP has partnered with Crystal Clean for waste recycling and waste-to-energy solutions. Crystal Clean ensures that the waste removed from our facilities is properly qualified and managed in full compliance with applicable regulations. 

Crystal Clean emphasizes the importance of going above and beyond industry standards and company policies and guidance, promoting sustainable efforts to protect the environment. The organization continues to strive to ensure that their services, facilities, and activities protect customers, communities, and the environment.

Crystal Clean has always been a sustainable company by virtue of the environmental services it provides to its communities and customers.  They specialize in reusing, recycling, and re-refining materials which are put back into the supply chain.

Crystal Clean Logo

Their commitment to sustainability begins with the waste materials collected. Whenever possible, the waste will be recycled, reused, or implemented in a waste-to-energy process. By providing premier, sustainable, and cost-effective services, Crystal Clean continues to protect the earth’s resources and help the business world run cleaner. 

In pursuit of this goal, Crystal Clean has invested in developing multiple waste recovery centers around the nation, including an oil re-refinery, regional antifreeze recovery centers, and several wastewater treatment facilities.

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Renewable Energy Program

We have also partnered with EDF Energy North America to transition our conventional electrical supply to Green-E® Renewable Energy Credits (REC), equivalent to 100% of the amount of electricity we consume. 

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Environmental Partners

LCP is proud to partner with several outstanding organizations that promote good environmental stewardship.

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Preferred by Nature

Active in 100+ nations, Preferred by Nature (formally NEPCon) is a non-profit organization that seeks to implement better land management and business practices.

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C&M Recycling

C&M is a leading recycler of paper waste, cardboard, plastic, and pallets.

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EDF Energy NA

EDF leads the industry in providing renewable energy solutions.

Continuous Improvements

LCP continues to maximize the effectiveness of our sustainability initiatives in other ways, including:

  • Our newest presses reduce energy consumption by 20%.
  • Wash-ups on new UV presses are more efficient and cleaner, reducing VOC emissions.

In addition, we continue to:

  • Always look for ways to reduce our impact on the environment.
  • Participate in third-party certification programs, which support responsible forestry. • Expand our recycling programs.
  • Seek new ways to conserve energy & water.
  • Reduce both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
  • Monitor air quality.
  • Transition to more energy-efficient equipment

Download Our Detailed Sustainability Document

To learn more about LCP’s sustainability programs, please download these documents.

EDF Energy NA and LCP LCP Sustainability