We are proud to be one of North America’s most environmentally innovative carbon neutral printing companies.
Met Printers are passionate about making green the most beautiful colour in the world. It doesn’t have to look like granola or tree bark to be green; we’ve got the print awards to prove it, such as Canada’s most Environmentally progressive print projects 3 years in a row. MET was invited by the City of Vancouver to be one of the first Corporate Climate Leaders, showcased as a business model for other companies to learn from in the Vancouver Green Capital initiative. We were invited to speak to Mayor and Council as a Green citizen working towards the City of Vancouver’s goal of becoming the Greenest City in Canada by 2020. (The motion was passed by council the next day, coincidence? just sayin…).
Being an environmentally innovative printer is more than simply recycling and being FSC® Certified as most claim, innovation comes from passion and practice, everyday.
Our passion for environmental printing started in 1995 when Founder George Kallas’s kids Nikos and Penny asked “What happens to all of that paper?” and “Where does it go?”. George contacted our suppliers and partners, starting recycling programs for paper, wood, plastics, plates, and chemistry recovery from that point on. He wanted to show his kids he was doing the right thing.
Today, Nikos is President of the company and that environmental commitment is stronger than ever. MET is enjoying our second year of Carbon Neutral operations, we were among Canada’s first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified printers and our MET UV inks are 100% greenhouse gas free.
We are well on our way to achieving zero waste, we recycle and downcycle literally everything from organic compost to plastic, paper, metal, wood, including unused inks which are converted into black newspaper ink.
MET’s clean green, as proven when clean our presses, using recycled cotton manufactured rags, which are then recycled and processed as an alternative fuel. MET not only uses green technology, MET contributes to green innovation by choosing partners such as Enviro Image Solutions (EIS) a patent pending technology that extends the life of printing blankets and allows them to be reused on press multiple times. By using EIS blankets MET has this year alone prevented over 8,000 lbs. of rubber and fabric waste from entering the landfills. Today we are down cycling these materials into track fields, highway materials and alternative fuels.
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CARBON NEUTRAL OPERATIONS
MET’s policy to maintain a program that addresses environmental issues is industry renown and we take our responsibility to the environment very seriously. On this basis, our shift to Carbon Neutrality with partners Climate Smart and Pacific Carbon Trust came after extensive research of the Offset providers. We chose our partners with an understanding that we will benefit from a greener economy in BC with local best in class certified offset projects.
In fact, MET is recognized as one of the City of Vancouver’s Corporate Climate Leaders as innovators in environmental stewardship. Our partnership with Climate Smart has evolved to a point where MET is a “Climate Smart Champion” with the task of sharing our experience with our partners to reap the benefit of Carbon Neutral Operations and employ an effective green strategy. We are raising awareness with our clients to help us all grow our economic eco-system and develop a better place to live and work. For more information no how MET can help you in your enviro initiatives, please contact us.
MET’s Green Pre-Media
Our use of KODAK’s most advanced digital workflow systems, finely calibrated colour monitors, years of experience and process automation ensures there is absolute control over potential waste. Our team of G7 Colour experts know colour and what it means to your brand for absolute control and continuity.
We have spent a lot of time and energy developing ink optimization and custom colour profiles that generate print results exceeding the finest virgin sheets on challenging 100% recycled paper. MET’s Hi Definition 10 micron Staccato screening and UV inks virtually sit on top of the sheet to yield unparalleled colour and detail.
We will provide you with the most accurate proof for your project based on your requirements, G7 expert certified colour digital proofs, folded paginated booked proofs, online (remote) proofing and even press checking by calibrated monitors right at press. We will share the accuracy and control for your absolute satisfaction.
MET ENVIRO UV Inks
MET operates its plant at the highest environmental standards, using enviro-liquids and recycled paper stock whenever possible. The use of UV inks for all products is now standard practice.
Since their introduction into mainstream printing, UV inks have become a benchmark for environmental printing practices. While complex to use, their environmental and quality benefits make it the right choice. MET UV inks release no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to the air — any waste, unused ink or coating is subsequently re-manufactured into black ink.
MET UV inks not only improve the printing quality — the clarity and brightness offered is unsurpassed — but also produce faster make-readies, which significantly reduces the amount of paper and ink used.
The need for press wash ups and disposal of waste is dramatically reduced; fewer press passes require less energy. UV inks convert to a solid upon exposure to a short burst of Ultra Violet light, it is dry to the touch the moment it comes off the press, and what you see is what you get. We can immediately convert to finished product in our bindery — saving time, space, and energy.
RECYCLE
Reduce, re-use, and recycle are more than just words to the community at MET. The company follows strict procedures that protect the environment from avoidable risk. All waste paper and cardboard produced and consumed is recycled. Make-ready waste is used multiple times during the make-ready process to save clean sheets and minimize the amount of recycling necessary. In addition, waste inks, coatings, solvents, rags, plastic, pallets, UV bulbs, and all aluminum plates are recycled, while all developer/waste water is treated before disposal. Whenever possible, FSC Certified and recycled paper stock is also used.
