Consolidated Label receives LIFE certification

TLMI’s LIFE program, an abbreviation of label initiative for the environment, provides an audited certification process tailored specifically to the narrow web printing and converting industry.

The LIFE program was developed in 2009 by TLMI in order to assist the association’s members with finding cost-effective ways to reduce their company’s environmental footprint.

Examples of elements that companies address in undergoing LIFE certification include: the recyclability of adhesives; the source and destination of liner materials, and how narrow web companies are driving recycling programs for these materials; and material construction light-weighting. Front office issues are also addressed such as total energy utilization, where that energy is coming from and what a business is doing to actively reduce its overall carbon footprint.

Consolidated Label completed the LIFE certification process over a two-day auditing process earlier this year. The audit was performed by NSF International, a qualified third-party assessment company. 

As part of its waste reduction efforts, Consolidated Label implemented a company-wide recycling program in which employees are required to recycle materials such as plastic, cardboard, paper, aluminum and other various recyclable products. Collection points were established and recycling bins were distributed to employees to encourage participation in the program. 

It also analyzed its use of toxic chemicals and looked to find ways to reduce chemicals that are bad for the environment. 

Joel Carmany, president of Consolidated Label, said: ‘Becoming a LIFE member is another step towards achieving our goal of streamlining our internal processes and ensuring that we have a formal environmental management system in place.

‘With this certification, we can effectively serve our customers better by providing them a reassurance that our energy and waste management systems comply with industry standards.

‘We spent months analyzing our materials and chemicals to figure out ways in which we can reduce waste without having to sacrifice the quality of our products. After a thorough analysis, we were able to come up with programs and solutions that would make a significant impact on our environmental efforts.’