Weber’s Greenwise program is both an internal and external awareness initiative.

Its goal is to challenge employees in the packaging industry to become observant, knowledgeable and committed towards environmental stewardship.

We feel that no step is too small to take, starting with our offering of several sustainable label products:

• Renewable Films – Polylactic acid (PLA) film label materials produced with corn-based products
• Renewable Papers – “Tree-free” label materials, made from bamboo, bagasse (sugar cane) and cotton linters
• 100% Post Consumer Waste Papers – Label papers derived entirely from waste paper products
• Dissolvable Paper – Paper label material that dissolves in water in just seconds and is biodegradable
• Repulpable Paper – Paper that can be repulped along with corrugated into new paper label stock or board
• Recycled Content Tags – Paper tag material containing a percentage of recycled content
• Soy-based Inks – Inks that are entirely natural and eco-friendly, derived from a renewable source, for your preprinted label needs
  

In addition to our products, it is our contention that selecting thinner films for applications whenever feasible can result in operational and environmental efficiency. The thinner the film is, the greater yield can be provided on each roll, thus leading to less changeover time in end use, as well as in our converting, printing and inspection operations.

In the last year Weber also has implemented:

• Visitor badges printed with soy based inks on natural Kraft (non bleached) paper
• Additional UV ink stations, eradicating catalyzed ink from our operation
• A cessation of herbicides on our grounds
• A direct-to-plate pre-press system to reduce chemical usage and eliminate film negatives
• New lighting systems that reduce airborne pollutants
• A digital printing operation that dramatically reduces set-up scrap over conventional printing
  

Finally, it is our contention that what is good for business is also good for the environment. We do not subscribe to the notion that being green equals greater cost. No packaging professional should accept that. We are all responsible for creatively developing products that improve both our environment and bottom line. It’s attainable if we work hard enough together.