Being “Green”

As our nation and others across the globe are becoming increasingly aware of how our contribution to greenhouse gases potentially affects climate change, today’s manufacturers must factor this into their production processes.

About 20 years ago Kermit the Frog, Jim Henson’s infamous Muppet, sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” Naturally he wasn’t referring to recycling, but if you think about it, a few decades ago the recycling infrastructure was not what it is today. Recycling solutions, facilities and resources along with alternative energy sources and natural chemical technologies are advancing and becoming more readily available to manufacturers and consumers.

Recycling Efforts

Master Containers is working with local businesses to recycle its expanded polystyrene (EPS) cup and bead scrap, plastic and Super Sack® scrap, as well as the corrugated cardboard scrap accumulated throughout the manufacturing and packaging process. As our recycling efforts have increased, our contribution to the local landfill has been significantly reduced.

Environmental Consciousness

In addition to stepping up recycling efforts, Master Containers looks for ways to integrate environmental responsible practices within its manufacturing processes. For example, we use UV inks for all special order and stock print cups and containers. UV inks offer both environmental and operational benefits.

They are energy curing inks which produce low to zero emissions (emissions refer to volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) thereby reducing workplace and environmental exposure to solvents. Due to the “instant” curing properties, the finished product can be handled and processed immediately which lowers energy use and costs.

UV-curing coatings are true “pollution prevention” technologies.
There are no emissions to control, destroy or recycle. *

*Low-Emission Technologies: A Path to Greener Industry, By Ronald Golden
(May/June 2005 Radtech Report)