How We Make a Difference
At Continental Envelope, we take seriously our responsibility to care for the environment. As one of the greenest envelope factories in the United States, we manage environmental matters as any other critical business activity, in order to minimize the impact of our operation on the environment.
Paper
We are Chain-of-Custody certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). The Chain-of-Custody process ensures the consumer that the FSC®-certified products they purchase are coming from responsibly managed sources. For a consumer to purchase an FSC®-certified product, every company that previously had ownership of the forest product material components of the end product would have had to be FSC® certified. Our Certification Number is NC-COC-077638 and our FSC® License FSC-C102880. (Copy of Certificate available upon request).
Our commitment to sustainability earned us the Valley Industrial Association Sustainability Award.
Inks, Adhesives & Printing Plates
We’ve committed to taking action in both our processes and our materials. For Continental Envelope, that means the utilization of:- Water-based plate developers and adhesives
- Soy-formulated vegetable oil and/or water-based inks
Recycling
Our advanced pneumatic system provides a low-dust environment while maximizing recyclability. The water used in manufacturing is treated in-house in compliance with federal regulations prior to release.
Power Conservation
We save electricity through advanced computer control of vacuum pumps and compressors, enabling their on-demand operation.
Compliance
Accountability
Environmentally-Friendly Products
Proper Planning
Evaluation
Our Greater Commitment
Solar Roof Innovation
Since we arrived in our new manufacturing facility in 1997, our electricity bill has increased 600%. We decided to look to solar for an eco-friendly solution to address our rising electric costs.
In 2023, we installed a 908-kW solar roof which is estimated to offset approximately 18,850 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 20 years. This is equivalent to removing 42 million car-miles from the road or planting 282,000 trees.
The goal was to minimize the carbon footprint associated with the facility's operations while reducing costs, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Organic Community Farm
Further demonstrating our commitment to the environment, we created in 2007 our organic farm on 14 acres adjacent to our plant. Pushing the Envelope Farm serves as a community educational farm for local residents and refugees from as far as Burma and Iraq.
Our incubator farm provides produce to the local market and with our volunteers we are able to donate food to the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Schools, youth groups and church groups participate in our educational programs, which we host on the farm or at their locations.
Continental Envelope has created a model for other companies to help support sustainable food efforts throughout the country. Please visit the farm website at PushingTheEnvelopeFarm.org.
Blogs
The Role of Envelope Suppliers, Trailing Edge Envelopes in Industry
A Guide to Standard Size Envelopes, High-Speed Printers
A Closer Look: Envelope Manufacturing Equipment, Die Cut
What is a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) and How to Send It?
Envelope Liners Printing Techniques: A Guide to Achieving a Professional Look
What Are Glassine Envelopes and How Are They Used?
Footprint Reduction: How Sustainable Envelopes Can Help Businesses Go
Everything You Need to Know About A7 Envelope Size and Dimensions
A Comprehensive Guide to Redweld Envelope Sizes and Styles
The Advantages of Using a Fully Automatic Flexo Printer Slotter Machine
Comparing a #9 Envelope Size and a #10 Envelope Size: Which Is Right for Your Business?
How Customized Envelopes Can Elevate Your Direct Mail Campaigns
Envelope Moisteners: A Must-Have for Bulk Mailing
Why Custom Envelopes For Business Are a Game-Changer
Booklet Envelope Vs Commercial Envelope: Exploring the Difference
Photo Envelopes Vs Catalog Envelopes: A Comparative Analysis
Announcement Envelope Sizes: Why It Matters
The Elegance of Baronial Envelopes: Perfect for Formal Invitations
The Advantages of Flexo Printing Over Traditional Methods
Why 8.5 x 5.5 Envelopes are the Go-To for Direct Mail Campaigns
Comparing 4x4 Envelopes with Other Sizes: What Works Best for Your Needs?
The Art of Sealing: How the Gum Sealed Envelope Keeps Your Mail Secure
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