“It’s About Doing The Right Thing”

 Obtaining safe forest certifications and implementing manufacturing processes that are environment friendly are sound business decisions that are important to consumers and our business partners, alike.  However, HM Graphics never considered these to be business decisions.  We simply consider it doing what is right for the health of our planet.  Responsible tree harvesting is very important, but so is clean land, air, water, and habitats for wildlife and people.  At HM, being “Green” is about much more than just trees - it is about all things natural.

Long before environmental certifications or recycling was commonplace, HM had been consistently developing new methods of recycling and   helping maintain a healthy environment.  For us, these practices are not fads or trends, but a conscious social choice. 

We have been and will always be certain to ensure that our printing has a huge impact on its audience, but never on the environment.

We have analyzed every department and segment of our business to determine how we can have the least impact on the environment

Prepress - Each year, more than 20,000 pounds (10 tons) of aluminum from press plates is recycled and remanufactured into other materials.  The plate developer utilizes a non-toxic process and is innately nature friendly.

Pressroom - Alcohol-free fountain solutions are collected and recycled in-house through a filtration system.  Solutions are reused, reducing the amount that must be purchased from chemical manufacturers.  By-products of the filtration system are discarded utilizing a State of Wisconsin licensed disposal contractor.  This procedure reduces our chemical waste by 80%.  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) have been reduced in our shop by 60%.  Each year, more than 20,000 pounds (10 tons) of aluminum from press plates is recycled.

Bindery - All waste materials are gathered by hand, placed in bins and turned over to a licensed recycling agent.  Papers are sorted by type, as well.  On average HM recycles more nearly 4,000,000 pounds (2,000 tons) of scrap paper.

Employee Work & Break Areas - Post consumer trash is separated from recyclable cans and bottles, and the latter recycled.  All business paper is collected in separate bins at each desk and recycled.

Suppliers/Vendor Partners - Our  primary paper suppliers’ pulp is manufactured using either Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) or Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) processes – meaning that the pulp is processed with a sequence using chlorine derivatives but not free chlorine (which is what damages the environment).  The pulp that goes into their recycled papers is processed chlorine-free (PCF).  Chlorine in its free form is not allowed by the EPA.  Residual trim & side cuts from the papermaking process are repulped & reused.  More than 90% of the solids removed at the water treatment facility are mixed with wood waste and incinerated in boilers as biomass, an environmentally beneficial alternative energy source.  The resulting ash produced by the boiler is used as filler by the State of Wisconsin for road bedding in major highway expansion projects, with some solids also providing raw       material for the production of glass aggregates.  Many suppliers have also reduced their water usage by 35% since 2001.  HM’s Primary paper suppliers are FSC certified.  Non-paper vendors must adhere to state and federal laws in compliance with all environmental issues to be considered on our preferred vendor list.

Corporate - HM Graphics is FSC and SFI certified.  We may also purchase alternative source energy credits at the request of a client.

Ideas for Environmentally Responsible Print Buying

Use HM Graphics.  Our certifications, production methods and policies will help you support a business that supports the environment.

Consult HM Graphics early in your print job’s concept so we can make environmental     decisions up front.

Choose certified paper or paper that has the lowest overall environmental impact.

If applicable, use the FSC or SFI logo on your print piece to inform your customers that you are considerate of nature.  It’s good P.R.

Use the recycle logo.

Consider using an alternative   energy source to run your job.  Use Aqueous coatings instead of UV coatings and laminates.

Send art to HM electronically or on a rewritable CD that can be reused.

Use digital photography.  

Our Environmental Mission Statement

"HM Graphics is committed to leading by example to integrate environmental awareness and responsibility in our corporate culture.  Through our purchasing and manufacturing processes we will continue to deliver the highest quality print products while maintaining the highest level of environmental responsibility.  Our daily decisions regarding production methods and purchasing choices will be guided by our ability to sustain our natural resources and keep our environment healthy.  We will form partnerships with suppliers and other key organizations that share this vision”.