The natural beauty of the Midwest is as striking today as it was 100 years ago when Northern Engraving was founded. We treasure this natural environment and promote conservation, recycling and efficient use of energy throughout our facilities to minimize the impact on the environment and to reduce operating costs.
Leading the way in environmental management, a Cooperative Environmental Agreement between Northern Engraving and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been extended through 2012. We were one of the first 10 facilities in Wisconsin to earn ISO 14001 Environmental Certification in 1999. Since the initial registration, all our manufacturing facilities have earned certification.
Efforts have been underway and systems in place long before the certification to ensure our manufacturing processes are lead-free and regularly comply with RoHS requirements. We offer environmentally-friendly choices. Northern Engraving has partnered with ink suppliers to develop UV ink systems that meet demanding OEM performance specifications. This has resulted in reduced usage of conventional solvent based inks to more environmentally friendly UV inks.
Multiple recognitions, nominations and awards have been received as we continue to set the bar for other manufacturers in the world. Northern Engraving is committed to continual environmental improvement. Central to this commitment is setting annual environmental objectives and targets through an Environmental Management System following the ISO 14001 Standard. Employee involvement at all levels has been a key element for obtaining significant improvements in environmental performance.
Environmental Policy Key Points
•Continual Improvement
•Operate within the Law
•Reduce Waste
•No harm to the Environment
Environmental Improvements
•VOC emissions decreased 63% (221 tons)
•HAP emissions decreased 91% (119 tons)
•Hazardous Waste generation decreased 68% (42,881 gallons)
•Water usage decreased 93% (93 million gallons)
•Solid Waste generation decreased 58% (1,050 tons)
Environmental Timeline
1988 Began documented waste minimization efforts across all facilities
1991 Earned Wisconsin Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance
1994 Recognized through Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's Prevention, Environment and Prosperity (PEP)
Award for efforts in waste minimization and pollution prevention.
1997 Recognized through MPCA Excellence in Hazardous Waste Management Award
1999 Obtained ISO 14001 Certification at Sparta Facility
Improvements made to manufacturing processes incorporating the use of water based sprays
2000 Earned a second Wisconsin Governor's Award for Excellence in Environmental Performance
Obtained ISO 14001 Certification at Spring Grove and West Salem facilities
2002 Signed Cooperative Environmental Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recognizing
Northern Engraving for its "superior environmental performance"
2003 Obtained ISO 14001 Certification at Holmen facility
2006 Nominated for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Brogan Award for Environmental Management System
2007 Earned Minnesota's Governor's Award for Excellence in Waste and Pollution Prevention
Extended Cooperative Environmental Agreement with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources