by Scott Pillsbury | Aug 27, 2023 | Environmental Green
In 2023, we proudly continue our dedication to sustainable energy as we utilize 100% wind energy for our presses, computing needs, and all services. We took a stand against traditional power sources and remained committed. Though the allure of solar panels was strong, the consistent and sustainable power of the wind speaks to our mission.
Consistent Commitment to Green Energy
Many enterprises start with partial commitments to wind energy, thanks to the various programs our local power companies offer. But we, at Rose City Label, committed fully from the start. In 2017, we utilized 193,000 kWh—all from wind generation rooted in the Pacific Northwest. Our motivation is cost efficiency and the profound statement it makes to our stakeholders.
Our Green Journey
Over the years, we’ve shared our collaborations like the OBRC partnership for reusing beer bottles, the innovative adoption of water wash printing plates, and robust pallet recycling efforts. Our transition to 100% wind power is simply the next step in our continued commitment to green initiatives.
2023: A Time to Join the Wind Revolution!
Since the first Go Green! The conference we attended in October 2017, the ease of transitioning to wind power has become evident. We underwent the process seamlessly. By paying a slight addition to our electric bills, we invest in RECs (renewable energy credits) that validate our commitment and fund research for future green energy technologies. Switching was smooth, and we could adapt if future needs arose.
Our Certification is a Testament
Green-e certification is our badge of honor, ensuring that the energy we rely upon comes from the sources promised. In partnership with PGE, we guarantee transparency—there’s no ‘greenwashing’ under our roof. For those in the Portland area, you can start your green power journey with PGE.
Let’s Shape a Greener Future Together
As pioneers in eco-friendly printing solutions, we invite you to collaborate with us. Our endeavors extend beyond just recycling—we’re about shaping a sustainable future. Reach out today, and let’s make a difference together!
by Scott Pillsbury | Jan 23, 2023 | Label Design
In today’s crowded marketplace, making sure your product stands out on store shelves is more important than ever. With so many options vying for consumers’ attention, you only have a few seconds to capture their interest. But did you know that packaging plays a huge role in catching consumers’ eyes? According to Ipsos research, 72% of consumers are influenced by product packaging, and 67% say the materials used in the packaging matter.
One of the biggest trends in packaging today is sustainability. According to Ipsos, 85% of consumers consider sustainability when purchasing. This is especially true for younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. Brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging are more likely to win over these consumers.
Personalization is also becoming more important in packaging. It’s estimated that personalized packaging will double in the next decade, thanks to advances in digital printing. But it’s important to strike a balance between personalization and brand recognition. Your packaging should be visually appealing and instantly recognizable as your brand.
As an SGP-certified, eco-friendly print partner, we have the skills and expertise to help you navigate these challenges. We can provide digital labels with vast personalization options, while also ensuring that your packaging is sustainable and visually appealing. We are ideally positioned to help you soar in 2023. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you create packaging that will stand out on store shelves.
by Scott Pillsbury | Nov 20, 2018 | Beer Wine Spirits, Company News, Environmental Green, Label News
Rose City Label Recognized with TLMI Environmental Leadership Award for 2018
Rose City Label won the Environmental Leadership Award at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the top label printers in America. This Environmental Leadership Award is given annually to one printer and one supplier based on judging 
the association environmental community. The award recognizes specific programs, demonstrated results, and a cultural commitment to the environment. We are very honored to join the list of past winners and we will never stop on our eco-friendly journey. This year, the awards were renamed in honor of Calvin Frost – a true environmental leader in the printing industry. There is nothing better than a cold frosty beer from our customer in the commemorative ‘Frosty 2018’ mug.
Results Matter
Trying hard and having commitment are important, but for the TLMI Environmental Leadership Award, results matter:
- Five Year Water Reduction of 47%
- Five Year Natural Gas Reduction of 43%
- Small reductions in Garbage and Electricity as well
All measures are indexed to manufacturing output as our business has grown considerably in the past 5 years. Complete details and annual graphs of these measures can be found in this blog post.
Small Things that Every Business Can Apply
Besides these dramatic results, the committee was impressed with the programs and projects the company has championed. These include:
- Encouraging employee bicycle commuting
- Providing excess pallets for employee home garden projects
- Recycling pallet wrap at the local supermarket
- Giving away excess pallets on Craigslist for local projects
- Shipping via direct courier service whenever possible
- Reusing items in the press room during production runs
More about these innovative programs can be found at these two blog posts click here for part 1 and click here for part 2.
Make Conscious Choices
The final area called out by the judges in this award was a leadership commitment to the environment. This philosophy is baked into the business so deeply that an employee recently lobbied for an electric car charging station – she knew it would align with our values (and with her new car), but also would provide marketing value and would contribute to this award criteria. All team members know we are focused on the environment. Some additional major indicators:
- Conversion to 100% wind power – read more here
- Water wash printing plates – among the first on the West Coast to adopt this system – read more here
- Monthly review of eco-metrics along with financial performance
Honoring the Label Eco-Legend – Calvin Frost
This award was particularly important to us since it was renamed in honor of our longtime friend and vendor, Calvin Frost. Calvin has been the voice of the sustainability movement for decades and his message is finally being heard far and wide in the industry. Calvin’s company, Channelled Resources, is basically one big recycling business. For over 40 years, the company has inspected and salvaged potentially damaged product. This stock would be destined for the landfill if his company didn’t take the time to sort and save the (large percentage) of this material.
Winning this award any year would be great, but to the first ever ‘Frosty’ award winner is even better!
Thank You – Call Us Today
We are ready to help others become more ‘green’. Any success we have is a team effort and we want to help you on your journey. Are you just getting started? Or need some pro-level tips? Please call us today. If you buy labels, that is fantastic, but we will help any business with a true desire to learn and grow in their eco-journey. Cheers!
by Scott Pillsbury | Aug 22, 2018 | Environmental Green
Rose City Label Sustainability – Part 2
We love being a GREEN company. Our customers can feel good about partnering with a leader in this area. Rose City Label Sustainability is woven into each part of our business and we live this out on a daily basis. Call us if you have any questions. We love helping others with their sustainability journey.
Free Pallets – Upcycling for Good
We generate excess pallets each month. Typically we buy material in large bulk rolls and sell small, custom label orders shipped via courier or UPS. Even with our staff projects, we can’t use up all these pallets internally. We shared this on social media, and now all our pallets are given away to neighbors for reuse. Read more by clicking here.
Reuse Trash as Shipment Padding
Waxed paper sheets separate rolls of adhesive label stock. This ‘slip sheet’ prevents rolls from sticking together. Wax coating makes these hard to recycle, so we use the sheets to pack our boxes going out to customers. The label rolls are clean and protected. Our customers are happy we can reuse this packaging to save money and the earth. Read more by clicking here.
Local Vendors and Courier Service
Whenever possible, we use small, local vendors for parts and supplies. This personal touch helps us stay up and running with responsive service for customers. And, we are supporting the local economy. Read more by clicking here. We also use a local delivery service for most shipments in the Portland area. Again, we are supporting a local company, but we also get faster deliveries to our customers. And, having our labels delivered by small, private auto is always better than a large industrial truck taking the labels back to a central hub to sort and deliver the following day. Our local courier partner is Direct Transport – learn more about them by clicking here.
Rose City Label Sustainability Summary – A Way of Life and Business
This is only part ONE! Hopefully this commitment is as important to you and your company as it is to us. If you have questions, please contact us. We are happy to help our customers and friends on their green journey. Rose City Label Sustainability matters. We work hard to make our company better in many ways. Balancing people, profit and planet – that is how we roll!
