In this episode of our podcast, we spoke with John Crosby, Vice President of Operations at Grand Rapids Label (GR Label). We discussed GR Label’s journey toward zero-landfill, including the impetus, measures of success, reactions of suppliers and potential employees, and mentorship from other companies.
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Conversation Overview
- John Crosby is Vice President of Operations at Grand Rapids Label, where he has worked for 28 years. He is a part owner of this fourth-generation company.
- GR Label believes in sustainability but was at only a 10% recycling rate in 2012.
- The owners met and agreed that they wanted sustainability to be their legacy for the company’s fifth generation.
- Striving for zero landfill is the most tangible, sustainable initiative for customers and employees because it’s measurable.
- GR Label didn’t know how long it would take to achieve zero-landfill or how to get there, so Crosby contacted fellow Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (TLMI) members for advice and help.
- TLMI member John McDermott advised him about achieving zero landfill so that the company didn’t have to start from scratch.
- GR Label also started recording atmosphere emissions of the coater as well as electricity, gas, and water use.
- The company started by measuring volumes rather than dollars.
- GR Label is now cost-neutral based on what they used to send to the landfill and what goes in now.
- For the landfill, they track both volume and dollars.
- TLMI members are always open and willing to help with sustainability initiatives.
- GR Label has been ISO 14001-certified since 2004.
- Another measure is submitting evidence of your sustainability audit as part of a questionnaire to receive a score.
- GR Label has not pursued that.
- The company is discussing its initiatives with its suppliers but hasn’t added any required sustainability qualifications for those suppliers.
- Some of GR Label’s most progressive customers are asking for an action plan or information about how the company is becoming more sustainable.
- Recently, potential employees have mentioned the company’s sustainability initiative as one of the reasons they sought employment with GR Label.
- GR Label accomplished its goal of zero-landfill in 10 years.
- In hindsight, that doesn’t seem that long, but the uncertainty was challenging.
- If you want to attempt zero-landfill, expect roadblocks and contact other industry colleagues or TLMI members for help.