Our Commitment to Sustainability
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RPI Graphic Data Solutions has an ongoing commitment to sustainability through the responsible management of our natural resources. We maintain a goal of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations by following environmentally responsible practices.
Our commitment to sustainability in action:
Responsible sourcing of printing substrates
There is more to responsible paper sourcing than just the use of recycled papers. In addition to being certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), over 70% of paper mills that RPI procures printing substrates from follow the chain of custody guidelines. We source paper and other pulp-based substrates from suppliers who share in our effort to employ environmentally responsible packaging and shipping methods that reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Use of Plant-Based Inks
Plant-based inks such as soy-based inks are more sustainable and release no volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These inks make it easier to recycle printed material. In addition, presses are easier to clean by using environmentally responsible water-based fountain solutions versus traditional alcohol-based solutions. We use soy-based inks in the production of both offset litho printing and digital printing.
Reduction in Wasteful Production Practices
RPI uses hybrid print, state-of-the-art technology like print on demand programs and variable data printing to help reduce waste and eliminate make readies. Online storefronts for printed material and fulfillment programs also help decrease the overall impact on energy consumption from design through production and distribution. Our automated production equipment and color management systems reduce energy usage and save thousands of pounds of physical paper stock in a given year. Less paper usage also impacts the amount we need to recycle.
Energy Efficiency Solutions in Print
For any business to minimize its impact on the environment and maximize sustainability, using the most energy efficient equipment and processes is key. This includes printing and bindery machines, prepress processes and project management practices. Well maintained heating and air conditioning systems and LED lighting in all facilities produces long-term energy savings. In fact, LED energy-efficient lighting uses more than 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lighting. To reinforce RPI’s commitment to sustainability, RPI recently replaced all fluorescent and incandescent lighting in our production and warehousing space with high-efficiency LED bulbs.
As a result of our ongoing CSR practices, RPI is changing our logo to incorporate the Earth as a symbol of our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Over the last 50 years sustainability has progressively become more important in the way business is conducted. Recognizing the importance of corporate citizenship, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs were created to address the impact a business has on the environment and the socioeconomic status of the communities they operate in, including their employees and consumers. CSR programs seek to integrate these concerns into their company culture, values and decision making. Many CSR programs are internally tracked and self-assessed. They may also include community involvement efforts.
CSR programs focus on measuring and evaluating the sustainability efforts of a business in their supply chain, human rights record, carbon imprint, and corporate governance. Many organizations provide CSR ratings and apply them to employment practices, supply chain management, diversity and inclusion efforts, and energy usage. In general, there is a direct correlation between the CSR rating and the likelihood of long-term success of a business to engage in innovation, strategic thinking and long-term value.
How is RPI incorporating CSR into its go to market strategy?
For many years, RPI has been committed to responsible business practices relative to our involvement in the community, sustainability initiatives, and how we interact with customers and treat our employees. Many of these initiatives were somewhat “informal”, but always important in how we conduct business and plan for future growth. Since 2019, RPI has incorporated our various CSR practices into our strategic planning, and has partnered with a few of our customers to more consistently monitor and measure the impact of our efforts. In 2020, RPI formally subscribed to the Ecovadis Sustainability community of over 75,000 companies world-wide. This association provides a system for evaluating our discipline and effectiveness in a variety of key areas including Environmental, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. As a result of this intensive study, RPI scored in the Top 92nd Percentile of all companies measured, and was awarded a Silver Medal Sustainability Rating. We are very proud of the work we have done to be responsible partners in our community and our industry, and we look forward to building on that success into the near and distant future.
Ecovadis, one of the largest providers of sustainability ratings with a global network of more than 75,000 companies, monitors the sustainability efforts at RPI.
RPI is proud to announce that we have achieved a Gold rating with Ecovadis.
Join RPI in our goal to be environmentally responsible. We have a long and proud history of partnering with our customers to promote and support their sustainability initiatives. After all, “The Earth is what we all have in common” – Wendell Berry, Novelist.
