Environmental Initiatives

Q: What operational practices support Bradford & Bigelow's environmental initiatives?

Key sustainability practices include energy-efficient production equipment with zero VOCs, low make-readies, and UV inks; waste reduction and recycling programs; responsible chemical and consumables management; digital workflows to reduce material waste; and regular review of environmental performance.

Q: How does Bradford & Bigelow reduce carbon emissions?

Carbon footprint reduction is addressed through efficient press and finishing technology, consolidated logistics planning, resource-use monitoring and controls, and supplier and vendor selection based on environmental criteria.

Q: How do these sustainability practices benefit print buyers?

Print buyers benefit from reduced environmental impact of their print products, access to eco-certified and responsibly sourced materials, and alignment with corporate responsibility and green procurement goals — helping organizations meet their own sustainability commitments.

Q: What sustainable options can customers choose for their projects?

Customers can choose FSC, SFI, or certified recycled paper stocks upon request, low VOC and UV/LED inks, sustainable packaging and protective materials, and design and printing choices that minimize waste and environmental impact. The business development team can help guide the best sustainable choices for each print program.

Being an environmentally friendly printer is an investment and everyday practice, not just a slogan

Solar-Powered Facility & Green Roof Conservation

Energy conservation is a part of Bradford & Bigelow’s core values to be the most environmentally friendly printer in North America.

We have invested in a 500KWH solar-powered system to reduce and stabilize our energy costs as well as minimize our carbon footprint to make an environmental impact in our community. The system currently powers approximately 50% of our requirements.

Our commitment to the environment continues with the addition of a green roof to our ever-growing facility. The green roof further reduces our energy consumption, storm water runoff, and improves air quality for our team members and neighbors.

Conventional and Digital Printing

For our conventional offset platform B&B only uses higher-quality inks that generate zero or minimal VOC emissions and have less energy consumption than traditional presses. Volatile organic compounds are a result of toxic discharge that burns into the atmosphere and creates fumes that build up over time and negatively impact the local environment and water supplies. Traditional presses require ovens and chillers running 24/7 to dry the ink but with UV inks, they are cured immediately as the printed page passes under low-intensity heat lamps.

After careful and thorough consideration, the digital platform Bradford & Bigelow invested in utilizes the most advanced pigment-based inks that require minimal heat to cure, further reducing toxic discharge into our environment.

Sustainability Recognition

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts has recognized Bradford & Bigelow as an environmental leader within the state of Massachusetts. They’ve identified that we set the standard for sustainability managing our social and environmental resources in a manner that ensures responsible and long-term success.

Recycling Center

Bradford & Bigelow has created an in-house, world-class recycling center. Proudly, 98% of all material purchased is either sold as a finished product or recycled. This commitment reduces landfill waste and supports a circular economy. By prioritizing sustainability, we help protect natural resources while delivering exceptional print solutions.

YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bradford & Bigelow's environmental initiatives?

Bradford & Bigelow's environmental initiatives are a company-wide commitment to reducing the environmental impact of printing and production operations through sustainable practices, responsible material sourcing, and continuous improvement in energy, waste, and emissions management.

Why are environmental efforts important in the printing industry?

Sustainable printing practices help conserve natural resources, reduce waste and emissions, and align production with environmental responsibility goals. These efforts benefit both the plant and organizations that prioritize environmental stewardship in their supply chain.

For a deeper explanation of why sustainability matters in print, see our blog post why environmentally friendly printing matters ⟶

How does Bradford & Bigelow source eco-friendly materials?

B&B selects paper stocks and materials with recognized sustainability certifications such as recycled content, FSC & SFI labels, so buyers can choose supplies that support responsible forestry.

What operational practices support Bradford & Bigelow's environmental initiatives?

Key sustainability practices include:

Energy-efficient production equipment that has zero VOCs, low make-readies, and UV inks
Waste reduction and recycling programs
Responsible chemical and consumables management
Digital workflows to reduce material waste
Regular review of environmental performance

These practices help reduce resource use and waste throughout the print lifecycle.

How does Bradford & Bigelow reduce carbon emissions?

Carbon footprint reduction is addressed through:

Efficient press and finishing technology
Consolidated logistics planning
Resource-use monitoring and controls
Supplier and vendor selection based on environmental criteria

This approach supports lower emissions and energy use at scale.

Are Bradford & Bigelow's environmental efforts certified?

While specific certifications depend on the program or material, Bradford & Bigelow partners with established industry standards and material-level eco-certifications to validate environmental performance.

How do these sustainability practices benefit print buyers?

Print buyers benefit from:

Reduced environmental impact of their print products
Access to eco-certified and responsibly sourced materials
Alignment with corporate responsibility and green procurement goals

These advantages help organizations meet their own sustainability commitments.

How do the environmental initiatives support continuous improvement?

Sustainability performance is regularly reviewed to identify opportunities for reducing waste, energy use, and emissions. This continuous improvement mindset ties into B&B's quality management practices and broader operational excellence goals.

What sustainable options can customers choose for their projects?

Customers can expect:

FSC, SFI, or certified recycled paper stocks upon request
Low VOC and UV/LED inks
Sustainable packaging and protective materials
Design and printing choices that minimize waste and environmental impact

Our business development team can help guide the best sustainable choices for your print program. Meet the team ⟶

Are you ready to support the environment?

Let's Talk!