GREEN CREDENTIALS

Energy saving light bulbs.

Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs 5 to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself. Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting. CFLs are simply miniature versions of full-sized fluorescents. They screw into standard lamp sockets, and give off light that looks similar to the common incandescent bulbs - not like the fluorescent lighting we associate with factories and schools.

Natural light through the design of the building with various skylights throughout the building.

Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces so that during the day natural light provides effective internal lighting. Particular attention is given to daylighting while designing a building where the aim is to maximize visual comfort or to reduce energy use. Energy savings can be achieved from the reduced use of artificial (electric) lighting or from passive solar heating or cooling. Artificial lighting energy use can be reduced by simply installing fewer electric lights because daylight is present, or by dimming/switching electric lights automatically in response to the presence of daylight, a process known as daylight harvesting.

Waste separation.

In the Maltese Islands, the main types of recyclable waste collected are metal, plastic, paper and glass. These are collected through home collection schemes, at Bring In sites and at Civic Amenity Sites. The recyclable waste collected is sold and then exported in order to undergo the recycling process overseas.

Chemical Free Computer to Plate machine CTP.

A new thermal plate-setting machine has been installed at Gutenberg Press because we recognize the importance of investing in the latest technology. The Agfa Avalon N8 High Resolution thermal plate-setter uses Azura chemistry-free plates, thus eliminating the use of film on pre-press production. Dot loss through second generation exposure and the variables resulting from the use of chemicals in film processing are all removed, so that quality is improved. Although computer to plate technology is well established, the break-through with this machine is that the process is chemical free, achieving a more stable and reliable system as the processing variables are also removed from the plate-making process. Whether 10 or 50 plates in a day are produced, the results are always the same. This system also has benefical effects for the environment because we use or generate chemicals that will need to be disposed of later. With this new addition to our equipment, Gutenberg Press can assure its clients of even higher quality printing and reliability.

Inks and sustainable Printing

Until recently the printing industry has used petroleum-based inks, which have two primary environmental drawbacks. First, they are made using a non-renewable resource (petroleum). Second, petroleum-based inks release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs reduce indoor air quality and can have negative short and long term health effects. Fortunately, an environmentally responsible alternative is available: soy inks, which are derived from soy beans. This alternative was originally developed for use in newspaper printing, but has spread to the printing of other items, such as business cards, marketing collateral, and product catalogues. Soy inks are more sustainable - they come from a renewable resource, unlike petroleum. Soy inks are more environmentally friendly - some actually release zero VOCs (this is what we use at Gutenberg Press). Paper printed with soy inks can be deinked more easily, making it simpler to recycle.

Spot colors are available, so you can still get the exact color you need in your logo. You actually get colors that are brighter and more vivid - and pop!

Recycling

At Gutenberg Press we understand that our recycling efforts demonstrate a significant leadership role in protecting our many fragile ecosystems, which combined make up our global surroundings. Environmental stewardship has always been at the forefront of our innovative corporate activities, all of them helping to sustain and improve the environment. We currently, recycle our production products including paper and cardboard products, aluminum litho plates and rain water. Our earth’s fragile environmental future is in our collective hands.

We order paper to size to minimise paper wastage.

Waste reduction can save money for businesses and institutions of any size. Print on both sides of the paper, reduce the width of margins and font sizes, order paper to size for a job and buy paper that is produced by a company with a stated commitment to the environment. These are all aspects we at Gutenberg consider essential to reduce paper waste.

Water Reservoir to recycle water

Underneath one of our plants we have a large water reservoir that can take up to 500,000 cubic meters of rain water. We recycle this rain water and use it for our ablution system throughout our factory.