At the recent Annual Meeting of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) held in Scottsdale, AZ, USA, 3M and Spear Inc. each received TLMI Environmental Leadership Awards. The award recognizes TLMI member companies that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to progressive environmental practices across a range of areas including solid waste reduction, recycling, waste or energy recovery, the implementation of new clean technology and/or processes, and the implementation of an education program.

The award for Technical Innovation was given to 3M, a company with a long history and culture of promoting sustainable values, strategies and principles. The company’s vision, traditions, performance and commitment to environmental improvement from the top down earned it this year’s award. The award for Best Practices in Environmental Leadership was given to Spear, for reducing its carbon footprint in every aspect of their business. Spear’s commitment to change includes the down-gauging of substrates, the establishment of liner recycling programs with their customer base, diverting matrix to waste-to-energy applications, using eco-friendly materials, energy reduction, the use of boxless pallets. and the reduction of carbon dioxide by 9,250 tons.

“This year’s entries, like those of the past, demonstrate a commitment of time and research. An enormous effort is required and I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, and all of the companies who submitted entries for their contributions,” said Calvin Frost, CEO of Channeled Resources Group and the TLMI Environmental Committee chair.

Also at the Annual Meeting, TLMI named Gary Smith, VP Sales for RotoMetrics, the Supplier of the Year. Presented on an annual basis, the Supplier of the Year Award honors and recognizes an individual for their ongoing volunteer service and dedication to TLMI, and to the industry. Criteria for winning the award includes service to TLMI on the association’s board and committees, in addition to continuous commitment to the industry as a whole by helping to promote and foster its growth.

Smith recently served a term on TLMI’s board of directors, and in the past was involved with the association’s Membership Committee.