News
North State Flexibles - Sustainability Initiatives and Activities.
North State Flexibles has a sincere interest in preserving our environment by minimizing materials and energy while still satisfying product packaging demands. We have an intense internal focus to reduce consumed resources and an avid desire to continually educate ourselves in order to provide value and assistance to our customers.
North State has implemented core members focus groups for various segments of our operation. The focus includes Polymers, Operating Supplies, and Plant Processes. Each area was dissected with an emphasis on the 4 "Rs" of which NSF can have an immediate profound impact on - Removing, Reducing, Recycling, and Reusing.
Polymers
• We minimize and recycle all unprinted, printed, coverted / laminated polyethylene based film waste. The product is reground and redirected in non-flexible packaging markets. This data is tracked monthly and published internally.
• We continue to research and test alternative resins of which allow down gauging thus successfully reducing end product weight for our customers.
• We currently have various bio-resins within our laboratory undergoing accelerated age testing for degradability results.
• We have a continuous review of 'right size' packages to ensure no excess and we maximize pack outs for shipments reducing excess emissions.
Operating Supplies
• NSF has a formal recycle program for pallets, corrugation, cores, packaging spools, ink pails and other key operating supplies. Our goal is to maximize 'reuse' thus minimize the impact on our landfill.
• We have centrialized our office computer printing thus eliminating individual printers which conserves paper and greatly reduces waste ink cartridges.
• All internal plant office paper, newspaper, magazines, cans, bottles, etc. are recycled.
Plant Processes
• An auto ink dispensing unit that minimizes excess ink is being fully utilized while our ink solvent is reclaimed through a distillation process.
• Utilization of air recirculation on our processes which minimizes our natural gas usage and waste output.
• A centralized plant air receiver is utilized which allows a lower horsepower compressor for the entire plant's compressed air which significantly conserves consumed electricity.
• Utilize internal water chillers which cool manufacturing equipment vs. continuously consuming city water.
• VOC emissions incineration on presses.
NSF was a FPA Gold Award Winner in 2008 for Environmental and Sustainability Achievement. A reduction of energies, water, and waste was a great sustainability success story for NSF as well as our elated customer. NSF is known for providing innovative flexible packaging solutions with superior responsiveness - from concept to satisfied customer.
For More Information Contact:
North State Flexibles
2619 Phoenix Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406
Tel:
336-292-9911 or 800-688-7391
FAX:
336-292-8467
Customer Service : Brenda Ganim
brenda.ganim@nstatepkg.com
NEWS
July 2009
Over 1.5 million man-hours without a lost time accident.
November 2008
Installation of new Pouch Machine.
June 2008
Sustainability Initiatives and Activities.
April 2008
North State Flexibles receives American Institute of Baking certification with Superior rating.
March 2008
North State Flexibles wins 2008 Flexible Packaging Achievements Sustainability Award.
November 2006
Flex your packaging knowledge & imagination – theme of FLEXponential 2007.