Our Green Tree

United Book Press Environmental Stewardship Program

Memberships

• Maryland Green Registry member, helping build a smarter, greener, more sustainable Maryland.
• The Unisource Worldwide respect Printer Program, supporting vendors who share our environmental goals.
• Signed the Green Press Initiatives "Book Industry Treatise on Environmentally Responsible Publishing" setting attainable and measurable goals for improving the social and ecological footprint of the book industry.
• FSC (Forest Steward Council) certified, strengthening our link in the chain of custody for certified sustainable material for our customers (BV -COC-070702).
• SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) customers can be confident they are buying paper from responsible sources. (BV-SFICOC-210043).
• Printing presses run IPA - isopropyl alcohol - free.
• Pre-Press chemicals are purchased through Fuji Film, a name synonymous with environmentally friendly practices.
• The Pressroom uses Flint Group Forms ink, which utilize soy oil due to its environmentally friendly nature. It also contains from 20% to over 40% vegetable oil or a vegetable oil derivative.  The utilization of replenishable vegetable oil combined with the low VOC nature of Flint Group inks meets both our performance demands and environmental responsibility.
• Our soft cover bindery runs cool bind glue, eliminating the VOCs of traditional hot melt glue. It also melts 100 degrees lower, making our work environment safer.
• Our case bindery uses 100% recyclable protein-based glue for the compact line.
• All paper and board used is ECF or TCF - Elementally or Totally Chlorine Free - the kindest way to bleach pulp.

Reduce and Recycle Waste

• We actively encourage and promote the use of FSC Certified Paper, SFI Certified Paper, or paper containing an element of recycled fiber.
• We recycle our unavoidable pre-production waste of paper and chemicals.
• We segregate, reuse and recycle the waste unavoidably produced in our production processes and continue to seek ways to further reduce such waste.
• Silver, film and spent aluminum printing plates are collected for recycling, as are spent chemicals.
• We have reusable shop towels to reduce waste.
• Our direct-to-plate process removes the need for film and use of chemicals to develop film, helping reduce film and chemical waste.
• Leftover ink is minimized by just-in-time ordering of custom color and metallic inks. Licensed waste handlers recycle dried waste ink.
• Waste is segregated and collected for recycling by licensed contractors.
• Independent auditors assess us regularly for FSC and SFI to ensure we are doing everything as we should and continue to improve.

Energy Consumption

• Equipment is chosen for efficiency that allows for faster setup and running speeds.
• All pre-press, press and bindery equipment is regularly maintained to run at optimal efficiency.
• Our plant has been upgraded with low wattage lighting and reflective shields to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a well-lit work environment.
• The office uses multi-function network printers in lieu of individual printers.
• Heat generated by our air compressors is routed into the pressroom through ducts to help reduce the need for heaters.

Green Office

• We reuse pressroom waste by cutting it down for labels and office paper.
• We recycle printed office paper.
• Toner cartridges are reloaded and reused.
• Electrical equipment is recycled responsibly with a third party company.
• We recycle all fluorescent bulbs.
• All photocopiers are Energy Star rated and go into energy saver modes when not in use.
• Office lights are kept off in areas not in use.