Having sustainable manufacturing practices has made it possible for Badger Tag & Label to maintain a competitive stance in today’s unusual economic climate. While sustainability can be a complex concept, the three principles are planet, people, and profit.

The Environmental Protection Agency defines sustainability as “the creation of manufactured products through economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impact while conserving energy and natural resources.” 

The measures Badger has adopted can be distilled down to decreased energy consumption and waste recycling and/or reduction.  These have naturally resulted in cost savings.

In the area of waste recycling and/or reduction, Badger made a number of changes including the use of a designated recycling dumpster for corrugate, paper trim and waste that is emptied and recycled six times annually and totals 252 yards of recycled material.

The printing area has realized the greatest impact from recycling/reuse. All printer rags are laundered for reuse. Badger’s staff is on track to divert from landfills 3,000 pounds of single-use towels this year alone, and almost 34,000 pounds since the launder/reuse began.  Their flexo and digital printers use water-based inks to reduce the use of harsh solvents. Profiling done last year on a digital press resulted in a 50% ink usage reduction. Also recycled and reused are chemicals for its parts washer.

In the area of reduced energy consumption, Badger is 100% LED. At the original manufacturing plant, incandescent fixtures as well as T8 and T12 fluorescent fixtures were replaced with LED lights already in 2016. More recently, during construction of their new plant, LED lights were installed throughout and combined with occupancy sensors in the lunchroom, bathrooms and offices.  A new heating system complete with programmable thermostats and sensors throughout the production area replaced an aging, inefficient system at their original location.

“Our ongoing focus on sustainability has resulted in lower energy consumption, waste reduction, and cost savings,” said Ryan Will, Vice President. “Having these sustainability measures in place prior to the business challenges of Covid-19 has also meant we are remaining competitive, building long-term business viability and ongoing success.  We are committed to searching for additional methods of sustainability as we move to the future.”