The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) has recognized Paragon Label of Petaluma, CA, with the top honor in its 13^th Annual FTA Environmental Excellence Award program. Global Packaging of Oaks, PA, earned an honorable mention.

Twenty-year FTA member, Paragon Label is a family-owned company specializing in printing fine quality pressure sensitive labels. Located in the wine-country of California, Paragon was launched in 1998 as a division of Mrs. Grossman’s, one of the largest decorative sticker manufacturers in the world. 

Being recognized for outstanding accomplishments is not new to Paragon as the company has won many major awards for printing excellence (including FTA Excellence in Flexography competitions  – two Best of Shows, seven gold medals, eight silver medals and eight bronze medals) and ten leadership awards for environmental and sustainable practices (including winning the FTA Environmental Excellence Award in 2011).

Paragon Label has a number of programs that save energy, reduce waste, water use and solvent air emissions. The facility has energy-saving compressors, more efficient lighting, low flow water fixtures, in-house waste water treatment, digital platemaking equipment, drought tolerant landscaping and a variety of recycling areas. They created the “Green Team” and brought in assistance to help them find ways to further reduce their environmental footprint.

Paragon’s pride in their program has enabled them to do community outreach that promotes their brand. Paragon holds tours of their facility four days a week having had more than 10,000 visitors. Employees explain the company’s dedication to sustainable practices and urge visitors, mostly children, to be good environmental stewards. 

Global Packaging was awarded a honorable mention in this year’s competition. An FTA member since 1997, the facility specializes in printed roll stock and converted bags for the consumer product, food, bakery, confectionary and pet food markets. Pollution prevention, waste reduction and lean manufacturing processes have been part of its lexicon for many years. In 2009, Global Packaging was the first flexographic facility certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. It is also the second time it has received an award from the FTA Environmental Excellence competition, having been awarded an honorable mention in 2005.

The FTA Environmental Excellence Awards were presented on April 28, 2013, at the FTA Annual Forum in San Diego, CA.