American Web takes great pride in the minimal impact that we have on the environment. We have less impact than your typical “quick print” shop for that matter. Our responsibility starts with using Post-consumer content paper as our house paper. In fact, our number 3 grades and number 4 grade house sheets are 10% post-consumer recycled content and 10% pre-consumer content and carry the FSC or SFI certification. We are both FSC and SFI certified and American Web the only FSC/SFI certified Web printer in Colorado. Our waste paper used in the production of our magazines is shredded and shipped to Oklahoma where it is turned into paper towels and napkins for fast food restaurants.
American Web uses the latest technology in heat-set ink, fountain solutions and solvents to minimize the impact that these chemicals may have on our environment. We use soy blended inks that contain a percentage of soybean oil while still maintaining high printing qualities. This ink costs more than what our competitors use, but it is more environmentally sound. Our solvents are citrus based (orange) and are less harmful than the traditional mineral spirits used in the printing industry. The fountain solutions used at American Web are no longer alcohol based and eliminate a large percentage of volatile chemicals in our emissions. To further eliminate harmful emissions, American Web employs afterburners to incinerate airborne VOC’s before they enter our outside air. Our afterburners are 97 and 99% efficient in eliminating these chemicals.
Waste ink, solvents and even “used” water is packaged and shipped to Denton, Texas where it is “fuel blended” with other materials and provides the heat for brick kilns. The ash from the spent fuel is then blended in the mortar and becomes part of the brick making material. All of this is documented and certified and available for inspection. The oil used in our equipment is recycled and cleaned and returned to service in some other oil application.
We offer paperless online proofing via our InSite portal for reducing the consumption of proofing paper and inks while shortening the production schedule.
We have eliminated inefficient lighting in our plant with green friendly metal halide lighting. They use less energy and improve working conditions. In the wintertime, heat generated from production is used to warm the facilities, reducing our demand on electricity and natural gas.
American Web goes far beyond what is required by OSHA standards. We all love Colorado, and the West and want to preserve it for future generations. Our commitment to this philosophy may not be the most cost effective, but it is the most responsible way to run a printing company.