Just-Us Printers Earns Green Recognition
by July 14, 2008 12:00 am 69 views
Just-Us Printers Inc. in Springdale began implementing green practices as a means of environmental stewardship but the company’s efforts were substantial enough to warrant recognition from the GreenWorks organization.
In 2007, the family-owned company received an Environmental Recognition Award for its green practices and environmentally friendly office.
Mike Justus, president and co-owner of Just-Us Printers, said a switch to new printing plates was the catalyst for the environmentally friendly upgrades at his shop.
Justus purchased the plates in 2007 for $180,000. New technology allowed the plates to be washed in water, not chemicals.
Justus said the plate vendor gave him additional “green ideas” and helped jump-start the company’s changes.
Since installing the plates, Just-Us has begun recycling paper, diverting more than seven tons of paper from the landfill each month.
And the company has also begun offering soy ink, procured in Arkansas, and recycled paper for printing orders.
Both products, Justus said, were difficult to find at first but are becoming more readily available in the Northwest Arkansas market.
The company has also made more traditional changes such as installing florescent light bulbs and adjustable heating and air conditioning.
Justus said his shop does not use the recycled paper or soy ink unless requested by the client because use of the products does increase prices. But demand for the environmentally-friendly products has grown and the company’s larger clients, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Sam’s Club and the state of Arkansas, are beginning to ask for soy ink and recycled paper in their printing bids.
Justus said he has seen Wal-Mart’s influence trickle down as more vendor companies begin to request the green materials in lieu of traditional paper and ink.
If a company does choose to use recycled paper, Justus said his shop will add a small “bug” to indicate that it’s recycled.
Just-Us Printers ranked No. 2 on the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 2008 list of printing and graphics services. The company was started in 1979 by the Justus family and employs 32 people.