l.i.f.e reference manual

L.I.F.E® Reference Manual

February 2015


i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In response to the growing expectations from customers and vendors about the impacts of

business on society, TLMI has developed a scorecard for assisting members with evaluating and

improving their environmental performance. The hope of this effort is to maximize the amount

of value members can realize from cost effectively implementing environmental best practices,

while also providing incentives and recognition for members who perform exceptionally well.

This document was created with significant contribution from the TLMI Environmental Best

Practices Task Force and Frank Sablone of TLMI. The TLMI Environmental Best Practices Task

Force includes:

Calvin Frost John McDermott Thomas Dahbura

Channeled Resources Label World USA Hub Labels

Doug Kopp John Kassal Tim Goodwin

Kopco Graphics Continental Datalabel Resource Label

Jack Kenny Mark Miles Tom Spina

Label and Narrow Web G-3 Enterprises Luminer

Magazine

Jeff Salisbury Nick VanAlstine Will Muir

Label Impressions Macaran Grand Rapid Label

Terie Syme

Prestige Label


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................ I

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................... 1

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT .................................................................................. 2

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT ............................................................................. 3

1. WHY IMPROVE? ...................................................................................................... 3 2. HOW DO I IMPROVE? ............................................................................................... 4

2.1 Develop a Process Flow for your Facility....................................................... 4

2.2 Determine Priority Actions ............................................................................. 4 2.3 Engaging in a Formal Initiative ...................................................................... 4 2.4 Measuring Your Performance and Continuous Improvement ........................ 5 2.5 Additional Implementation Resources ........................................................... 6

REFERENCE TOOLBOX ............................................................................................... 7

1.0 CLEAN PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES ............................................................................. 7 1.1 Releases to Air ................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Releases to Water .............................................................................................. 8 1.3 Waste ............................................................................................................... 10

1.4 Office and Facility ............................................................................................. 13 1.5 Compliance Violations ...................................................................................... 14

1.6 Innovative Program .......................................................................................... 14

2.0 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GASES ......................................................................... 15 2.1 Energy Use ...................................................................................................... 15 2.2 Greenhouse gases ........................................................................................... 17 2.3 Innovation Program .......................................................................................... 20

3.0 PRODUCT DESIGN .................................................................................................. 22 3.1 Integration of Environmental Performance into design ..................................... 22

3.2 Environmentally Preferable Materials ............................................................... 22 3.3 Innovation Program .......................................................................................... 23

4.0 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ...................................................................................... 24

APPENDIX A: PROJECT METHODOLOGY ................................................................ 27

APPENDIX B: SPC AND TLMI CATEGORIES COMPARISON .................................. 28

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ................................................. 29

APPENDIX D: RESOURCES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ....................................... 30

RENEWABLE ENERGY ................................................................................................... 30 “Green Power”........................................................................................................ 30 Solar ....................................................................................................................... 30 Wind ....................................................................................................................... 30 Geothermal ............................................................................................................ 31

FUNDING ..................................................................................................................... 31

L.I.F.E.® Reference Manual

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HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

This document was created to provide direction and resources to TLMI members and

participants of L.I.F.E. ®

who have completed a self-assessment with the program’s scorecard

and seek to enhance their engagement in activities and projects that reduce the environmental

burden of their operations. It is not intended that participants read the entire document upon

initiating their involvement in L.I.F.E. ®

. Instead, this document should serve as a reference when

detailed information is needed about specific sections of the scorecard or program overall. Over

time, other resources will also be included here such as guidelines for creating environmental

programs and goals.

Environmental performance in a company can cover a wide range of activities, from reducing

immediate risks to making environmental issues part of everyday operations. You will need to

decide what is best for your company, and what will bring you the most significant economic

and environmental gains. Sometimes, it is clear where to start and what to do first, but not

always. This workbook can help you determine the best place for you to start.

Sections 1.0 - 4.0 below correspond to the Scorecard. Each section describes possible activities

to consider when developing a formal engagement in each area. Listed activities are not

explicitly required, and other activities not listed can be used if relevant. Participants are

encouraged to find innovative mechanisms for reducing the impacts outlined in the scorecard.

This document is a work in progress. Contact TLMI for information about how to make

suggestions for new or irrelevant activities, requirements, resources, and other ideas.


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STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

1. WHY IMPROVE?

Many leading companies have discovered the business benefits that can be achieved through

environmental improvements. Below are examples of some of the advantages that your company

might experience:

Table 1: Business Benefits of Environmental Improvements

Environmental Improvement Business Benefits

Environmental Management System

Reduced liability and risk

Recognition as a leader

Supports ongoing continuous improvement Marketing and Communication of Environmental Performance

Increased sales

Community acceptance

Reduce Energy Use Reduced operating costs (i.e. for electricity,

fuels, etc.)

Reduce Water Use Reduced utility costs

Lower sewerage service operating costs

Reduce Air Emissions Reduced costs for emissions abatement

equipment

Better relations with regulators

Reduce Non-hazardous Solid Waste Reduction of direct costs associated with

disposing of waste

Eliminate Toxic Materials/Hazardous Waste

Improved worker health and safety through elimination of exposure

Lower costs by eliminating need for personal protective equipment

Lower disposal and handling costs

Product Environmental Improvements Decreased costs through material efficiency

Innovative product designs

Supply Chain Management Reliable supply / Delivery integrity

Assurance on safe contents of supplies

Eliminate Wastewater Reduced costs by not having to obtain permits

Reduced costs associated with wastewater treatment


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2. HOW DO I IMPROVE?

2.1 Develop a Process Flow for your Facility

Having a complete picture of the possible ways your business impacts the environment is an

important first step in developing solid foundation for continual improvement that benefits your

business and the environment at the same time.

If not on file, complete a current process flow map for your facility with all inputs and outputs,

including energy, raw materials, waste, and water. This will enhance the understanding of how

the activities listed in this manual might apply, as well as generate new ideas and clarify where

data is available and needs to be collected.

2.2 Determine Priority Actions

Improving your performance against the scorecard also requires identification of your priority

actions. The criteria for identifying priorities are unique to your business. Possible issues to

consider include:

a. Customer and employee expectations: What questions have customers and

employees been asking about environmental performance in your facility? This

might help focus your initial evaluation of what issues to target.

b. Specific technology and materials used in your facility: Are there characteristics of

your process and chemicals that perform poorly based on the actions evaluated in the

scorecard? Depending on your technology, some requirements of the scorecard will

be more easily met than others.

c. Time and resource availability: How many staff and how large a budget is you able

to commit to evaluating and implementing best practices? This may impact how you

will determine the cost/benefit analysis of a possible project.

d. Local issues: What are the key issues facing businesses in your region (e.g.,

regulation, water scarcity, waste hauling costs, etc?) For example, two otherwise

identical facilities in Arizona and New York City might identify priorities differently:

Arizona’s water supply is very limited, while New York City might have a larger

concern for diverting waste from expensive landfills.

2.3 Engaging in a Formal Initiative

Once priority actions regarding your environmental performance have been identified, you can

begin to develop a formal program to manage and improve this performance.


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The components of engagement are to be determined by each participant given their particular

market needs and business situation. However, in order to be able to claim the requirement for

the scorecard, the program must at least contain:

1. A measurable goal and timeframe for achieving it (e.g., 10% reduction by 2010)

2. A description of the control and monitoring mechanism (e.g., how you will collect

and evaluate data)

3. A list of opportunities

4. A description of the activities that are being undertaken to achieve that goal

This guidebook provides suggestions of possible activities to comprise a program for the

requirements you have determined to be priorities. In many cases there may be other activities

that result in meeting the goal that are not listed.

There will be an opportunity for participants to submit additions to this guidebook as other

activities or best practices are identified.

2.4 Measuring Your Performance and Continuous Improvement

This program seeks to encourage a continuous

improvement cycle such as that displayed in

Figure 1.

Once you have a formal program that includes

goals, monitoring and measuring performance

indicators, you can begin to capture actual

performance in the scorecard, in the metric

displayed in the ‘Performance Improvement’

column of the scorecard.

How to measure this data is up to you; in general,

invoices, lab testing, and calculations will be

likely sources of data.

If you have been measuring data on a particular

requirement and can report demonstrated

improvement and meeting goals from the baseline

year, you can indicate this in the scorecard.

Source: U.S. EPA, Wise Rules for Industrial Energy Efficiency 2003

Figure 1: Sample Continuous Improvement Cycle


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2.5 Additional Implementation Resources

The continuous improvement focus of the program is consistent with the focus of the ISO

14001:2004 international standard for environmental management systems. Implementers of

L.I.F.E may find useful guidance in a document prepared by NSF International and available

from the US Environmental Protection Agency entitled Environmental Management Systems: An

Implementation Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Organizations. Although not intended to be

used in its entirety to achieve L.I.F.E. certification, the NSF document provides useful

worksheets, sample documents and other program organizational tools. The document can be

downloaded from:

http://www.epa.gov/owm/iso14001/ems2001final.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/owm/iso14001/ems2001final.pdf


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REFERENCE TOOLBOX

Sections 1.0 - 4.0 below correspond to the Scorecard. Each section describes possible activities

to consider when developing a formal engagement in each area. Listed activities are not

explicitly required, and other activities not listed can be used if relevant. Participants are

encouraged to find innovative mechanisms for reducing the impacts outlined in the scorecard.

1.0 CLEAN PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

The following activities were developed in part based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s

(EPA) “Sector Notebook Project – Printing and Publishing,” published in 1995,1 the Pollution

Prevention Resource Center’s (PPRC), and the “Commercial Printing Industry – Compliance and

Pollution Prevention Workbook,”2 published in 1997.

To become more sustainable, organizations should strive not only to increase efficiency, but also

to reduce total waste generation and resource consumption (i.e., reduce their environmental

footprint). Thus, participants should be looking over time at not only reductions of inputs per

unit of output, but also at the absolute reductions of resource inputs and waste outputs in order to

achieve a sustainable business for future generations.

If at all possible, in addition to absolute numbers, the quantities of pollutants reduced or natural

resources conserved presented in the supporting documentation should be normalized to a

relevant factor so that progress in an area can be evaluated over time. Examples include, amount

of waste landfilled/linear feet of production or amount of waste landfilled/number of press hours.

1.1 Releases to Air

The purpose of this section is to provide suggestions for how to minimize the air emissions from

chemicals used in the printing process. The primary air emissions from print operations can be

categorized as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hazardous air pollutants (HAP), and both

should be minimized for employee health as well as reduced environmental footprint of the

facility. VOCs also contribute to the formation of smog in the atmosphere.

To identify environmentally preferable alternatives, review Section XI of the Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) when purchasing new materials to evaluate and compare VOC content.

1.1.1 To decrease facility VOC and HAP releases to the air:

When printing, use low-VOC inks such as vegetable oil-based or water-based inks, or UV inks

(rather than solvent-based inks), coatings, including varnishes and primers, and cleaning

products.

1 http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/assistance/sectors/notebooks/printing.html

2 Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC), “Commercial Printing Industry – Compliance and Pollution

Prevention Workbook.” 1997. http://www.pprc.org/pubs/pubslist.cfm


8

a. When adhesive coating, use low-VOC adhesives such as water-soluble, hot-melt, or

UV adhesives. Note that UV materials require additional safety protection.

b. Use automatic cleaning equipment for parts washers and other equipment. This

equipment can often be retrofitted to existing presses and operations.

c. Use low-VOC alternatives to materials listed below. 3

i. Compounds from aerosol cans during use

ii. Film developer during use or evaporation during storage

iii. Film fixer during use or evaporation during storage

iv. Solvent-based plate developer

v. Fountain solution

vi. Emulsion and ink during use

d. Refer to Section XII of facility Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to identify

materials that contain the HAP chemicals3 listed in Table 2, and minimize purchase

and use of those materials. Note: this is not a complete list of HAPs. More than 189

HAPs have been identified.

e. To minimize releases of remaining VOC and HAP-containing chemicals, ensure all

used containers are covered and sealed.

f. For general safety and good practice, ensure containers are properly labeled and any

storage and handling requirements are clearly marked or understood.

1.1.2 To avoid other releases to air:

a. Minimize use of materials that contain any of the chemicals listed in Table 2. Note:

this is not a complete listing of all chemicals reportable under the Emergency

Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPRCA).3 The full list includes more

than 600 chemicals.

1.2 Releases to Water In order to understand possible facility releases to water, compile the MSDS for all chemicals

and use the charts in this section to determine possible risks.

1.2.1 To reduce the quantity of water used and released:

a. Reduce water use by adopting practices such as intermittent and stop-flow of rinse

water when plate processor is idle, and equipment such as "wash less" processing

systems.

b. Consider installation of a rain water collection system for landscaping use.

1.2.2 To improve quality of water discharges: a. Minimize use of materials that contain any of the chemicals listed in Table 2. Note:

this is not a complete listing of all chemicals reportable under the Emergency

Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPRCA). 3

The full list includes more

than 600 chemicals.

3 Adapted from: Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC), “Commercial Printing Industry – Compliance and

Pollution Prevention Workbook.” Ch 3. 1997. http://www.pprc.org/pubs/pubslist.cfm

http://www.pprc.org/pubs/pubslist.cfm


9

Table 2: Chemicals Relevant to the Printing Industry listed on the Toxic Release

Inventory (TRI) or as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP)4

Chemical TRI Listing? HAP Listing?

1,1,1-trichloroethane TRI HAP

2,4-toluene diisocyanate HAP

Ammonia TRI

Barium TRI

Benzene HAP

Cadmium TRI HAP

Carbon tetrachloride HAP

Chromium TRI HAP

Copper TRI

Cumene TRI HAP

Cyclohexane TRI

Dibutylphthalate HAP

Diethanolamine HAP

Ethylbenzene TRI HAP

Ethylene glycol TRI

Ethylene oxide TRI

Formaldehyde TRI HAP

Freon 113 TRI

Glycol ethers HAP

Hexane HAP

Hydrochloric acid TRI HAP

Hydroquinone TRI

Isophorone HAP

Lead TRI HAP

Methanol TRI HAP

Methyl ethyl ketone TRI HAP

Methyl isobutyl ketone TRI

Methylene chloride TRI HAP

Phosphoric acid TRI

Polycyclic organic matter HAP

Propylene oxide HAP

Silver TRI

Sulfuric acid TRI

Tetrachloroethylene TRI HAP

Toluene TRI HAP

Trichloroethylene TRI

Vinyl chloride HAP

Xylene TRI

b. Recover and recycle any hazardous substances such as:

Plate developer


Prevention Workbook.” Ch 3. 1997. http://www.pprc.org/pubs/pubslist.cfm



10

Solvents

Photochemicals

Silver

c. Minimize need to dispose ink down a drain from cleanup by:

i. Running ink sumps as low as possible at the end of a print run to minimize unused

ink.

ii. Adding only as much ink as is required by ensuring ink estimation methods are as

accurate as possible.

iii. Keeping ink conditions optimal by installing automatic ink levelers.

iv. Using diaphragm pumps which do not heat ink as much as mechanical vane

pumps to reduce ink vaporization.

v. Using 6 or 8 color process to reduce press cleanup if possible.

d. Reduce contamination of water from press cleanup by:

i. Dedicating a press to run similar products, when possible.

ii. Scheduling jobs according to increasing darkness of ink color.

iii. Optimizing schedule of jobs to minimize color changes and print station cleanups.

e. Evaluate the environmental preferability of alternative plating or proofing systems.

For example, consider the following alternative digital proofing systems:

- Water-based

- Ink jet

- Dye sublimation

- Soft (on-screen) proofing

Or the following plate development processes:

- Dry plate developer

- Direct to plate

- Direct to press

f. Develop operating practices to minimize spills, such as covering reservoirs and

containers.

1.3 Waste

To understand your waste stream and begin to develop appropriate reduction and recycling

programs, begin by conducting a waste audit5 (independently or by contracting an outside party).

This will identify key materials, assist with identifying cost saving opportunities, and enable

better targeting of recycling programs.

1.3.1 To minimize solid waste sent to landfill

5 For an example on conducting a waste audit, visit the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services

at How to Conduct a Waste Audit :: City & County of Honolulu, Department of Environmental Services

http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/How_to_Conduct_a_Waste_Audit.html


11

From production

a. Consider automating monitoring technologies, which may detect tears in web and

press performance, or implementing lean manufacturing practices to reduce product

rejects.

b. Recycle wastes from process when possible, such as:

Scrap film

Plates

Excess substrate and liner

Excess, damaged, or rejected product

Substrate trim and cuttings

c. If reducing and recycling are not possible, consider using appropriate wastes for

energy recovery.

d. Develop and/or increase quality control efficiency thereby reducing the amount of

resources required to rerun production due to errors.

e. Develop inventory control practices to maximize L.I.F.E. ®

of chemicals by:

Recover press-return ink and use before new ink. This may be most feasible for

job start ups.

Re-blending used or off-spec inks to black or other dark colors for future use.

Using automated ink mixing.

From office and facility:

a. Reuse or recycle packaging materials on input substrates such as core plugs, end

boards, and pallets.

b. Reduce office paper waste by instituting conservation practices by:

i. Consider paperless work orders in the form of computerized job tickets.

ii. Encouraging double sided printing for all staff (requiring that computers have

selected this function).

iii. Using electronic correspondence and filing practices over paper correspondence

and filing whenever possible.

iv. Ensuring paper recycling containers are located in convenient, well-traveled

areas.

v. Reminding staff of the importance of recycling office paper (as well as other

office waste including cans, bottles, etc.).

vi. Ensuring your maintenance staff and waste management service provider are

aware of your paper recycling program, separating the recycled paper and

dealing with it appropriately.

vii. Using a paper calculator to understand how to reduce impact by switching to

office paper containing higher post-consumer recycled content (see

www.environmentaldefense.org/papercalculator).


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c. Reuse or recycle white paper, corrugate, plastics, bottles, cans (food and material),

and pallets.

d. Recycle universal and electronics waste (e.g., batteries, mercury thermometers,

fluorescent lamps, computer monitors, office equipment, toner and ink jet cartridges).

e. Work with vendors and suppliers and ask them to provide items with less or no

packaging waste (e.g., purchasing in bulk, reusable transport packaging, and

lightweight packaging).

1.3.2 To ensure proper disposal of hazardous waste:

a. Recover and use authorized vendor for disposal of solid waste that has the potential to

be hazardous, such as those listed in Table 3.

b. Use and launder rags instead of disposable cloths for press cleanup.

Table 3: Possible solid wastes with disposal concern6

Possible Solid Wastes Example Constituent(s) of Concern for Waste Type

Scrap or expired film silver Silver

Empty Aerosol Cans Residual Solvents

Empty chemical containers Ignitable, toxic, corrosive residues

Old or used screen materials Heavy metals

Empty ink containers Heavy metals, thinners

c. Recover and use authorized vendor for disposal of hazardous waste, such as those

listed in Table 4.

Table 4: Possible hazardous solid wastes found in printing operations6

Possible Hazardous Wastes Example Constituent(s) of Concern for Waste Type

Partially full aerosol cans Toluene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane

Unused film developer Hydroquinone

Used parts washer solvent Xylene, benzene, toluene

Spent film fixer Silver

Improperly managed shop towels Benzene, toluene, TCA, metals

Unused solvents Toluene, xylene, TCA, TCE

Solvent-based plate developers Benzene

Cyanide developing solution used with electrostatic plates

Cyanide


Prevention Workbook.” Ch 1. 1997. http://www.pprc.org/pubs/pubslist.cfm



13

Fountain solution Ethylene glycol

Excess ink or ink stains Heavy metals

Ink cleanup sludges Heavy metals, residual press wash

Adhesive waste Methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, xylene

Waste PMT activator Silver

Emulsion and ink remover waste Xylene

Haze remover waste High pH

1.3.3 Program to recycle or encourage recycling of liner material from customers

Encourage customers to recycle or return liner material. If returned, identify local recycling

operation or another industry that can recycle or reuse the material.

1.4 Office and Facility

1.4.1 To use environmentally preferable cleaning practices in facility and office:7

a. Source biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning materials, including:

General-purpose cleaners, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners,

and carpet cleaners

Floor finishes and floor strippers

Liquid hand soap

b. Ensure proper storage and handling of cleaning chemicals.

c. Source high post-consumer recycled content toilet and facial tissue, paper towels and

napkins.

d. Review the Green Seal Green Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services for

more cleaning practices (see http://greenseal.org/certification/cleaning_services_gs-

42.pdf).

1.4.2 To give purchasing preference to environmentally preferable materials such as office

supplies, paper, equipment, etc.:

a. Create policy and criteria for evaluating the environmental attributes of high volume

and/or high impact materials. Possible criteria include:

Energy Star appliances

Minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content

Displays Green Seal or other third-party label

1.4.3 To increase use of environmentally preferable packaging materials or practices for

shipping:

7 Green Seal - Find Green Products and Services

http://www.greenseal.org/FindGreenSealProductsandServices/CleaningServices.aspx


14

a. Consider rationalizing number and sizes of shipping boxes.

b. Source shipping boxes with a greater amount of post-consumer recycled content.

c. Source compostable, reusable, or recyclable packing peanuts, or polybags for

packaging filler and cores.

d. Ship in bulk whenever feasible.

e. Reuse core plugs, or source with high recycled content or other environmentally

preferable material.

f. Optimize cube utilization. More units per roll will reduce packaging, reduce set up at

production stage, and will reduce set up at consumer use point. More units per carton

will better utilize pallet space and reduce freight.

g. Ensure pallets are uniform and stabilized for stacking to increase trailer utilization.

1.5 Compliance Violations

Identify relevant local air and water regulations, and ensure each facility is properly permitted, if

required. Indicate ‘Not Applicable’ in the performance measurement if no regulations apply.

1.5.1 To eliminate compliance fines, violations, and complaints:

a. Identify alternatives for toxic or hazardous materials (as identified in Air and Water

sections above).

b. Ensure proper storage and handling, corrective and preventative management

practices are in place for potentially regulated materials.

1.6 Innovative Program A point may be earned for innovative programs or projects in the Clean Production Techniques

section. To qualify for an innovation point, the applicant must be able to document and quantify

the environmental benefit(s) of the program or project. The proposed innovative project should

be substantial to the extent that it would likely be recognized as of significant magnitude and

truly exceptional/innovative by industry peers. Examples of programs that may be significant

but not innovative:

Diversion of matrix waste from landfill to incineration for energy generation

Purchase of renewable energy credits

Replacement of plant lighting with more energy efficient lamps

Recycling of spent liner materials through existing channels of distribution

The awarding of an innovation point is at the discretion of the third-party L.I.F.E.® auditor.

Credit for innovative projects may not be awarded in subsequent years.

If L.I.F.E.® certification is contingent on award of an innovation point, it is recommended that

complete documentation for the innovative point be submitted to the third-party auditor prior to

the site visit or at least four weeks in advance of the certification renewal date.


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2.0 ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GASES

2.1 Energy Use

Attention to the type and amount of energy used in your facility has significant potential to

reduce costs as well as environmental impact associated with the extraction and generation or

combustion of fossil resources for energy. This section describes possible activities for energy

efficiency and conservation.

To begin, assemble bills for electric and gas utilities, fuel expenses, and shipping to understand

the full cost of energy usage in offices and facilities. Breakdown by location or area of the

facility (e.g., submetering) as much as possible. This basic energy audit can then be used to

focus resources on high impact improvement opportunities.

To become more sustainable, organizations should strive not only to increase efficiency, but also

to reduce total waste generation and resource consumption (i.e., reduce their environmental

footprint). Thus, participants should be looking over time at not only reductions of inputs per

unit of output, but also at the absolute reductions of resource inputs and waste outputs in order to

achieve a sustainable business for future generations.

If at all possible, in addition to absolute numbers, the quantities of pollutants reduced or natural

resources conserved presented in the supporting documentation should be normalized to a

relevant factor so that progress in an area can be evaluated over time. Examples include, amount

of waste landfilled/linear feet of production or amount of waste landfilled/number of press hours.

2.1.1 To increase energy efficiency of production, offices and facilities:

a. Develop policies, procedures, and communications to reduce demand for energy and

increase the efficiency.

Production:

i. Turn off equipment and lights when not in use.

ii. Properly maintain production equipment for optimal energy efficiency.

iii. Consider shift/hour changes to reduce equipment set up and gain efficiency.

iv. Consider transitioning to electric forklifts and organizing process flow to

minimize the need for forklifts to minimize the combustion of fuel.

Offices and facilities:

Lighting and Office Equipment

i. Turn off equipment and lights when not in use.

ii. Use automated controls to reduce or eliminate lighting, heating or cooling when

facilities are closed.


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iii. Purchase more energy efficient light bulbs, computers, printers and other

equipment (i.e., Energy Star). Use a lighting calculator to help compare the

energy consumption of current lighting with energy-efficient replacements.8

iv. Consider offsetting lighting needs with natural light through sky lights in new or

existing buildings, or dimming lights in sunny spaces.

v. Consider designing space for a lighting intensity of 1.0 watts per square foot or

less when planning lighting for a new space or renovating existing lighting.

Insulation

i. If possible, install more efficient insulation to reduce heating and cooling loads,

including:

o Building envelope (e.g., walls)

o ‘Green’9 or ‘white’

10 roofs

o Windows

b. Consider pursuing LEED EB certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design for Existing Buildings)11

2.1.2 To increase energy efficiency of distribution fleet and transportation:

Fleet Optimization

a. Optimize schedules to consolidate shipments and minimize distances traveled.

b. Consider sourcing materials domestically/ locally to reduce transportation needs.

c. Purchase alternatively fueled vehicles such as hybrids or bio-based fuel.

d. Develop other programs to increase fuel efficiency from driver behavior such as

reducing idling, optimized speeds and tire inflation, etc.

Shipping Services

e. Avoid transportation of freight by air whenever possible.

Employee-related transportation

f. Encourage and/or initiate employee carpool programs.

g. Reduce business travel to critical travel only, and conduct more meetings via

conference call.

h. Consider offsetting carbon emissions of business travel.

8 Energy Star Lighting Calculator

9 “About Green Roofs.” Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.

http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=40 10

“White Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions.” Roof Coating Manufactures Association.

http://www.roofcoatings.org/wcc.html#faq 11

“LEED for Existing Buildings.” US Green Building Council.

http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=221

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bulk_purchasing.bus_purchasing

http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=221


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2.2 Greenhouse gases

Customers, regulators, employees, and communities are increasingly interested in reducing

global climate change. All companies contribute to this phenomenon through the energy and

resources required at every stage of a product L.I.F.E.®cycle to turn raw materials into useful

product. Greenhouse gases are emitted from many sources. Sources most relevant to TLMI

members are fuel consumption (for heating, transportation, fork lifts, etc) and electricity

generation. The greenhouse gas emissions from electricity vary greatly by the source of that

energy to the utility grid (e.g., coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric). Understanding a ‘carbon

footprint’, priorities for action, and meaningful metrics requires the translation of energy use into

a greenhouse gas inventory.

2.2.1 To develop a greenhouse gas management program:

a. Use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol tools12

or follow the guidelines in Table 5 below to

conduct a basic greenhouse gas inventory for the facility from electricity and gas

consumed for offices and operations, and fuel consumed for transportation.

Employee commuting and business travel can be included if desired. Because the

greenhouse gas emissions from electricity vary widely depending on the source of

electricity in particular regions, reference the EPA Power Profiler13

for information

on the energy source and its carbon impact in your region.

b. Update this greenhouse gas inventory as new energy conservation and renewable

energy projects occur.

c. Consider the desired hierarchy of carbon reduction in Figure 2 below to develop a

program to reduce emissions.

Table 5 Calculation of Greenhouse Gases

The Kyoto Protocol categorizes direct and indirect GHG emissions into three broad scopes:

Scope 1: All direct GHG emissions. Direct emissions occur from sources that are owned or

controlled by an individual reporting company. These would typically include

emissions from furnaces, boilers, emergency generators, water heaters, company

owned/leased trucks and vehicles, propane forklifts/clamp trucks.

Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions from consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam.

For most converters, the typical component is purchased electricity. The key here is

that the emissions are not generated directly by the company but rather at another

company which is supplying the electricity, heat or steam. The purpose of

separating Scope 1 and 2 is to avoid double counting of GHG emissions when

aggregating data across multiple entities.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions from your operation, such as:

12 “Tools.” Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative. http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools 13

“How Clean is the Electricity I use?” EPA. http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/how-clean.html

http://www.ghgprotocol.org/calculation-tools/all-tools


18

Product materials produced by your suppliers (raw materials, inks, toners, etc.)

Transport-related activities by vehicles not owned or controlled by the reporting

entity such as contractor delivery vehicles for receiving and shipping (including

transport of waste).

Employees commuting to/from work and business air travel.

This calculation deals only with Scope 1 and Scope 2 which have mandatory reporting. For the

printing and converting industry the primary sources for emitting CO2 are shown below.

Scope 1 -Natural gas used to heat facilities or as driers on specialized presses; and

emissions from company owned or leased vehicles

Scope 2 -Electricity being used to run office and equipment lighting, plate makers,

printing presses, etc.

Calculating GHG Emissions

A. THERMS = the unit of measure used for billing from your natural gas service provider.

The formula to calculate is:

Therms × 11.7 ÷ 2,204.6 = Metric Tons of CO2

Example 12,386 therms × 11.7 by 2,204.6 = 65.73 Metric Tons of CO2

B. VEHICLE EMISSIONS - Another factor in calculating total GHG for a facility is

vehicle and fleet fuel consumption. The worksheet example below requires input of the

annual •Miles traveled City and Highway and •Miles per Gallon estimates for the vehicle.

C.

Total City Miles 1,600

Total Highway Miles 14,400

City MPG 16

Highway MPG 23

Gallons of Fuel (City) 100.00

Gallons of Fuel (Highway) 626.09

Gallons of Fuel (Total) 726.09

Lbs C02 per gallon 19.30

Total Pounds C02 14013.48

Total CO2 MT Emission: 6.36

Input Total Miles City/Hwy and MPG City/Hwy

D. kWh (KILOWATT HOUR) = the unit of measure used for billing from your electrical

service provider. The formula to calculate is:

kWh × GHG Emissions Factor 2,204.6 = Metric Tons of CO2

Example: 414,517 kWh × .559 by 2,204.6 = 105.11Metric Tons of CO2

TRY IT

YOURSELF

DOUBLE CLICK

Input Yellow

Cells


19

Year Power (kWH CO2 Metric Tons Therms CO2 Metric Tons TOTAL CO2 Metric Tons

2010 414,517.00 105.11 12,386.00 65.73 170.84

POWER FACTOR 0.559 INPUT THE POWER FACTOR FROM YOUR ELECTRICAL PROVIDER

TRY IT YOURSELF – Double Click on the spreadsheet below and input your company’s

expended kWh and Therms and your GHG emissions factor here to automatically calculate your

Metric Tons of C02 emissions.

Shown below are calculations for a narrow web converting operation in California with a

greenhouse gas emissions factor of .559 for 2010. Note that each service provider can provide

you with their annual GHG emissions factor. California factors vary from year to year.

QTR POWER

(kWh)

CO2 Metric

Tons

GAS

(Therms)

CO2

Metric

Tons

TOTAL

CO2 Metric

Tons

POWER

COSTS

QTR-1 414,517 105.11 12,386 65.73 347.90 50,221.42

QTR-2 422,041 107.01 3,137 16.65 306.70 65,744.10

QTR-3 430,489 109.16 1,315 6.98 303.60 78,882.41

QTR-4 408,842 103.67 5,659 30.03 310.30 61,138.20

TOTAL 1,675,889 424.94 22,497 119.39 1,268.50 255,986.1

Unscrambling - National Green House Gas Emission Factors

The greenhouse emissions factor in each zip code varies widely across the country. We suggest

that you contact your service provider for the information when asking for billing data. Here is

the data for one region provided at the courtesy of Pacific Gas and Electric in Northern

California below.

Emission Type Description Year Lbs CO2 /kWh Lbs CO2 /therm

PG&E HISTORICAL POWER FACTORS

2006 0.456 11.7

2007 0.636 11.7

2008 0.641 11.7

2009 0.575 11.7

Current Emissions 2010 0.559 11.7

DOUBLE CLICK

ME Input Yellow

cells


20

2.2.2 To increase use of renewable energy:

a. Use the EPA Green Power Locator and the EPA Guide for Purchasing Green Power

for information and strategies for purchasing renewable energy products from the

electric utility or installing renewable on-site generation capacity such as:

i. Solar thermal systems for hot water heating

ii. Wind power for electricity

iii. Solar photovoltaic systems for electricity

iv. Geothermal heating and cooling system for new facilities

Information resources on renewable energy are available in Appendix B.

b. Increase the amount of renewable power in the electricity grid by purchasing

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)14

.

2.2.3 To ‘offset’ carbon emissions:

a. Based on your greenhouse gas inventory, purchase offsets for CO2 emissions; this

effectively subtracts emissions by ‘offsetting’ your emissions through the financing of

carbon reduction or mitigation elsewhere. The result is net ‘zero’ emissions.

Figure 2: Carbon Reduction Hierarchy

2.3 Innovation Program

A point may be earned for innovative programs or projects in the Energy and Greenhouse Gases

section. To qualify for an innovation point, the applicant must be able to document and quantify

the environmental benefit(s) of the program or project. The proposed innovative project should

14

“Renewable Energy Credits.” EPA. http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/rec.htm

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/rec.htm


21

be substantial to the extent that it would likely be recognized as of significant magnitude and

truly exceptional/innovative by industry peers. Examples of programs that may be significant

but not innovative:











22

3.0 PRODUCT DESIGN

A significant portion of the environmental impact of a product is determined simply by its design

through the choice of processes, materials, applications, and layout. Embracing

environmentally-preferable design through conversations with customers will help reduce the

impact of label products as well as support the customer’s efforts to reduce their own impacts.

3.1 Integration of Environmental Performance into design

3.1.1 To prepare product to minimize waste in production and use:

a. Choose the narrowest substrate available to fit print design in order to minimize trim

(fit to sheet).

b. Use smallest available plate for the design.

c. Design product to minimize processing steps, such as using substrate that will not

require lamination.

d. Consider size and packaging needs of final product during design.

e. Downguage when possible to reduce materials, plastic, paper, and coat weight of

adhesive.

3.1.2 To work with customer to create designs that minimizes material and energy use and

processing:

a. Work with customer to identify environmentally preferable design alternatives such

as:

i. Materials: use of environmentally preferable facestock and adhesives when

possible, or downgauge to lighter stocks

ii. Processes: reduce use of laminate and varnish to minimize VOC emissions

iii. Sizes: fit to standard substrate and plate size, or offer alternate sizes to

minimize waste

iv. Inks and colors: using fewer different colors can reduce press cleanup, and

customers can be informed of lower VOC print method options.

3.2 Environmentally Preferable Materials

While final design is determined by the customer, the converter has an opportunity to educate as

well as improve product profiles by recommending and using environmentally preferable

materials when designs are flexible. Converters can encourage customers to use relevant

environmental certifications for their own product communications.

3.2.1 To use environmentally preferable facestock and tagstock material:

a. Identify suppliers that provide Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry

Initiative certified paper products.

b. Identify suppliers that provide materials with high post-consumer recycled content.


23

c. Identify suppliers that provide materials that are made from highly renewable

materials.

d. Identify suppliers that provide materials that are recyclable due to density of the

facestock, material content, or other characteristics.

e. Minimize use of materials that use vinyl chloride.

f. Discuss the production techniques of suppliers to support products made with clean

production techniques.

3.2.2 To use environmentally preferable adhesives and fasteners:

a. Identify suppliers of Recycle Compatible Adhesives or other technologies that do not

interfere with recyclability of the final product. Adhesives that are not water-soluble

may interfere with future recycling. Consider alternative adhesives that embrace

benignity.

3.2.3 To use environmentally preferable liner material:

a. Identify suppliers that provide Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry

Initiative certified paper products.

b. Identify suppliers that provide materials with high post-consumer recycled content.

c. Identify suppliers that will reclaim and recycle their liner materials.

d. Identify suppliers that provide materials that are made from highly renewable

materials.

e. Discuss the production techniques of suppliers to support products made with clean

production techniques.

3.3 Innovation Program

A point may be earned for innovative programs or projects in any of the Product Design section.

To qualify for an innovation point, the applicant must be able to document and quantify the

environmental benefit(s) of the program or project. The proposed innovative project should be

substantial to the extent that it would likely be recognized as of significant magnitude and truly

exceptional/innovative by industry peers. Examples of programs that may be significant but not

innovative:











24

4.0 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a systematic approach for incorporating

energy and environmental goals and priorities into routine operations. The US EPA defines an

EMS as “a set [or system] of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its

environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency.” This focus on processes and

practices is common to all EMSs, which are generally founded on the “Plan, Do Check, Act”

cycle of continuous improvement.

This section includes several requirements that mirror an environmental management system.15

When completing the scorecard, note that the Performance Improvement is measured by

improvements in status of these requirements. A facility can begin with no involvement, and

progress to having a policy or program In Place, then improve its implementation such that the

policy or program is Sufficient at achieving the basic intent of the particular policy or program

(e.g., the continual improvement policy does facilitate the creation of annual goals). A

measurement of Effective is the objective, which captures that the policy or program achieves the

ultimate business or environmental goal (e.g., the continual improvement policy facilitates the

creation of goals and ensures they are met).

4.1.1 To create an Environmental Policy Statement:

a. Create a written policy with the following elements:

i. Clear description of the scope of operations covered by the policy

ii. Details of the company’s commitment, including things like pollution

prevention, compliance with all laws and continual improvement

iii. Signature by top management

iv. A sample policy is outlined in Appendix C.

4.1.2 To develop an environmental risk assessment process:

a. Develop a risk assessment process with the following elements:

i. Identify risks associated with activities, products and services

ii. Have process regularly reviewed by a third party

4.1.3 To monitor performance:

a. Develop procedures to:

i. Monitor key characteristics of operations and activities that can have significant

environmental impacts and/or compliance consequences.

ii. Track performance (including your progress in achieving objectives and targets);

iii. Calibrate and maintain monitoring equipment.

15

For more information about Environmental Management Systems, visit: http://www.epa.gov/EMS/

http://www.epa.gov/EMS/


25

iv. Through internal audits, periodically evaluate your compliance with applicable

laws and regulations.

4.1.4 To set annual continual improvement objectives and targets:

a. Develop a system to regularly check performance against expectations, correcting

items that require it, and based on assessment of the sources of impact of the

business, set measurable and feasible targets for annual improvement.

4.1.5 To develop Environmental Best Practice Awareness programs:

a. Institutionalize regular communication and training about the company’s

environmental commitments and customer requirements to ensure the organization is

constantly in a learning mode, looking for and considering new practices.

4.1.6 To outline Emergency Response procedures:

a. Communicate risks and response procedure to employees and the surrounding

community.

4.1.7 To develop corrective and preventative action management programs:

a. Create a system to monitor incidences of non-compliance with or discrepancies from

established policies. Create a policy for corrective action of such incidences.

b. As part of the risk assessment process, determine possibilities for discrepancies and

take action to prevent them from occurring.

c. Evaluate the corrective actions of other TLMI members to develop additional

preventative actions.

4.1.8 To conduct regular performance review

a. Regularly review performance internally to ensure programs are progressing

appropriately and actions are taken as necessary.

4.1.9 To ensure proper maintenance of equipment

Develop a list of requirements for basic maintenance of equipment, including detailed task

breakdowns, timelines, assignment of responsibility to specific personnel, and documentation

procedure.16

16

Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. http://www.sgppartnership.org

http://www.sgppartnership.org/


26

4.2 Other Certifications

A point may be earned in recognition of other environmental programs maintained by applicants

that also involve third-party verification audits. Programs that may be considered include, but are

not limited to, Forestry Chain-of-Custody Programs (FSC, SFI, etc.), and Green Seal. The

awarding of a point for other certifications is at the discretion of the third-party L.I.F.E.® auditor.

ISO 14001 Certified Facility will only need to provide a copy of their ISO 14001 certificate

for Section 4 Management Systems of the scorecard. This will suffice in review and

auditing Section 4 of the scorecard. ISO 14001 certified facility will automatically qualify

for “Engaged” in all of Section 4. The certificate must be valid at the time of the onsite

audit or desk audit. (effective 2/2015)


27

APPENDIX A: PROJECT METHODOLOGY

The TLMI Environmental Best Practices Task Force engaged Five Winds International in

January 2008 to facilitate the creation of this program. Together, this team used existing

resources on environmentally preferable activities for printing industries, as well as practical

expertise from the label conversion businesses represented on the Task Force, to identify relevant

criteria for activities, products and services that impact the environment.

In order to ensure rigor in the performance standard, activities, products and services that have a

potential impact on the environment, as well as management systems to measure, control, and

reduce that impact must all be included. As such, the scorecard evaluates the four categories of

requirements listed below, which are modeled on the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)

guidelines. A comparison of the categories is shown below in Appendix A.

Clean Production

Energy and Greenhouse Gas

Product Design and Environmentally Preferable Materials

Management Practices

Since initial conception, the program evolved into a scorecard format to maximize transparency,

allow members to highlight areas of success, and to allow members and their customers to

evaluate performance characteristics that are most relevant to a particular product L.I.F.E.® cycle

or company. The verification process was derived from knowledge of auditing and verification

for other industry standards and management systems, such as ISO 14001.

The program was piloted in June 2008 to ensure usefulness and relevance of the work to day-to-

day business activities of TLMI members.


28

APPENDIX B: SPC AND TLMI CATEGORIES COMPARISON

SPC Guidelines17

TLMI Categories

Is beneficial, safe and healthy for individuals and

communities throughout its L.I.F.E.®

cycle

Clean Production Techniques Product Design

Meets market criteria for performance and cost Implicit in the mission of TLMI

Is sourced, manufactured, transported and recycled using renewable energy

Energy and Greenhouse Gases

Maximizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials

Product Design

Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices

Clean Production Techniques

Is made from materials healthy in all probable end

of L.I.F.E.®

scenarios

Product Design

Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy

Product Design

Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial cradle to cradle cycles

Clean Production Techniques Product Design

17

. Sustainable Packaging Coalition | Definition of Sustainable Packaging

http://www.sustainablepackaging.org/content/?type=5&id=definition-of-sustainable-packaging


29

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

July 1, 2005

To All Officers and Employees:

Safety and Environmental Protection Policy

[Our Company is] committed to operating our [operation] to:

Ensure safety,

Prevent injury or loss of L.I.F.E.®

Protect the environment,

Provide a safe workplace, and

Ensure a safe, high quality experience for our customers.

In carrying out these critical responsibilities, we will:

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations,

Adhere to appropriate industry standards and codes,

Strive for continuous improvement in both safety and environmental protection,

Set and achieve measurable targets and objectives for safety and environmental performance, and

Prevent pollution through the efficient and responsible use, recycling and disposal of resources.

Safeguarding our customers, employees, and assets and the environment in which we live and operate is

not only the right thing to do, it is essential to the successful conduct of our business.

These are very high standards and require substantial effort to achieve. Every one of us must be

constantly alert and work hard to prevent the hazardous situations that may lead to an accident or damage

to the environment.

I expect each of you to give your very best effort every day, and I promise you mine.

[Signature]

President and Chief Executive Officer


30

APPENDIX D: RESOURCES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

RENEWABLE ENERGY

“Green Power”

Green Power Locator

Environmental Protection Agency

Green Power Locator | Green Power Partnership | US EPA

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/gplocator.htm

Guide to Purchasing Green Power.

Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/documents/purchasing_guide_for_web.pdf

Solar

Solar Thermal.

The Solar Guide.

Solar Thermal

http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar-thermal/

Commercial Solar Thermal Introduction.

Southface.

Welcome | Southface http://www.southface.org/solar/solar-roadmap/commercial%20solar/commercial_thermal.htm

Solar Direct Case Studies

Solar Direct

Solar Direct Case Studies

http://www.solardirect.com/resources/case-studies/case-studies.htm

Commercial Case Studies

Solar Craft

Solar energy case studies | Commercial solar electric case studies

http://www.solarcraft.com/electcomcase.html

Wind

Small Wind.

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/gplocator.htm

http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/documents/purchasing_guide_for_web.pdf

http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar-thermal/

http://www.southface.org/

http://www.solardirect.com/resources/case-studies/case-studies.htm

http://www.solarcraft.com/pages/electcomcase.html


31

American Wind Energy Association.

Distributed & Community Wind

http://www.awea.org/smallwind/.

Aerotecture, Urban wind turbines.

Aerotecture International - Home

http://www.aerotecture.com

Geothermal

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Studies

Omaha Public Power District

Geothermal Heat Pump Case Studies - Omaha Public Power District

Commercial Case Studies

Geothermal International

Heat Pump, Heating and Cooling Systems - Geothermal International

http://www.geothermalint.co.uk/commercial/commercialcasestudies.php

FUNDING

The payback time for renewable energy installations may be decreasing thanks to the rising costs

of fossil-based energy, but initial capital costs are not insignificant. Governmental agencies at all

levels have set up many rebates, grants, and other financing mechanisms to help businesses and

residents install renewable technologies. The database listed below provides the names of

programs and agencies to contact about possible financing.

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency

DSIRE: DSIRE Home

http://www.dsireusa.org/

http://www.awea.org/learnabout/smallwind/index.cfm?CFID=133961363&CFTOKEN=39110346&jsessionid=783070b39417ff3498e3712548402294b297

http://www.aerotecture.com/

http://www.aerotecture.com/

http://www.oppd.com/BusinessCustomers/ProductsServices/HVACSystemSolutions/22_001048

http://www.geothermalint.co.uk/

http://www.dsireusa.org/


32

Copyright 2012 by Tag and Label Manufactures Institute, Inc. All rights reserved. For the confidential use of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute and its members only. No part of L.I.F.E.® can be reproduced in whole or part without written permission of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc., 1 Blackburn Center, Gloucester, MA 01930. 978.282.1400

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