Printing and packaging paper company Monadnock has announced that it has achieved 100 percent carbon-neutral production status and can now offer customers and supply chain partners a third-party verified claim that all of its products are made with certified, clean renewable electricity.
“We have a longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Richard Verney, chairman and chief executive officer of Monadnock Paper Mills. “We produce up to 50 percent of our electricity on-site. It is a priority to maximize our own low-impact renewable hydropower generation and to continue reducing emissions associated with our operations.”
Monadnock says it has significantly reduced energy consumption, resulting in a savings of more than 1 million kWh of electricity per year. Some improvement projects in 2012 include recognizing and implementing efficiencies in manufacturing processes, increasing the efficiency of its largest hydroelectric turbine wheel, upgrading vacuum pumps on the paper machines, recovering dryer condensate and installing an economizer and variable speed drives.
“We did everything we could internally to maximize the efficiency of our hydro facilities, and only then did we start looking at reputable sources for additive renewable energy and carbon offset credits,” said Environmental Manager Michelle Hamm.
After a vetting process, Monadnock purchased Climate Action Reserve Protocol-certified Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) to offset emissions associated with its thermal energy generation. It also purchased Green-e certified wind power Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset the electricity required to run its facilities.
Last month Monadnock announced that SGS recertified its ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System for an additional three years.
In addition to these third-party verified actions and programs, the company participates as an EPA 100 percent Green Power Partner, EPA WasteWise Partner and EPA SmartWay Transport Partner.
Earlier this month, Monadnock announced the availability of an uncoated label designed specifically for craft beer made from 100 percent FSC-certified, post-consumer waste fibers.
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Founder, Hower Impact
Mike Hower is the founder of Hower Impact — a boutique consultancy delivering strategic communication advisory and support for corporate sustainability, ESG and climate tech.
Published May 7, 2013 10am EDT / 7am PDT / 3pm BST / 4pm CEST