The 5 R's of Sustainability

Refuse → Reduce → Reuse → Re-purpose → Recycle

As we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day, we reflect on the actions we have taken across The Vomela Companies to do our part for the environment. For us, every day is Earth Day. Here’s what we’ve done within the 5 R's.

Refuse

Refuse to buy or accept products that can harm our people, our facilities, and our environment.

From minimizing the waste of critical resources to using recycled materials, we are partnering with responsible suppliers and sourcing materials, which can be re-used, recycled, or are biodegradable.

Another great refuse option is to use alternatives to chemical solvents that are water based. We have transitioned from solvent-based to UV, Latex, and Aqueous-based inks in our manufacturing process.

Reduce

Use less, such as reducing the amount of energy to heat facilities.

We recently completed construction of an LEED-compliant headquarters designed to improve energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions, and indoor environmental quality

In addition, we build to order; our on-demand custom box maker reduces corrugate costs overall by sizing each box specifically for the job with minimal waste.

We're also installing solar panels this spring on our new St. Paul based HQ.

Reuse

Reuse something you already have instead of buying something.

We continue to transition to more sustainable packaging, such as the RanPak machine, which is an eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap.

We are also replacing single use items with reusable ones – such as water bottles, lunch bags, and grocery bags, and having our printer cartridges refilled.

Re-purpose

Use existing items for something else.

To support our efforts, we have a formal Sustainability Committee, Innovation Teams working with customers and our supply chain, and we are in the process of Sustainable Green Print Certification for our facility.

We have added energy efficient R.O. humidification.

Recycle

If the first four Rs are not doable, then recycle. Recycling shows us all the things we dispose of, while giving us the opportunity to rethink future purchases.

Recycle all that is possible – paper, plastic, metal, and glass.

Inform employees about what can and can't be recycled.

Let us know how we can help you meet your sustainability goals.