Green Master Status
Onalaska, Wis. (November 2024) – The Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council has recognized Empire Screen Printing, Inc. at the Green Master level within its Green Masters Program®. Recognizing Wisconsin businesses prioritizing sustainability, the Green Masters Program® categorizes participants into four status levels that reflect the degree to which sustainability has been integrated into their business model: Adapting, Advancing, Maturing, and Green Master.
Green Master status signifies that an organization has identified and is effectively managing its material sustainability issues and performance related to those issues, takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability, and is actively leading the transformation to a more sustainable society.
Empire Screen Printing has consistently demonstrated leadership in sustainability by adopting innovative practices such as utilizing UV LED ink-curing technology to significantly reduce energy consumption and eliminate harmful emissions. Additionally, the company has implemented a closed-loop recycling system for inks and solvents, further minimizing its environmental footprint. “Sustainability is at the core of our operations,” said Alexis Marsh, VP of Operations. “Our participation in the Green Masters Program reinforces our commitment to not only meet but exceed environmental standards, and we take pride in being a role model for sustainable business practices in our industry.”
Each year at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Annual Conference, the achievements of member companies are recognized and celebrated. This year’s conference was held on November 13th at Harley-Davidson Garage in Milwaukee.
“Taking part in the Green Masters Annual Conference is a great way to re-energize and have a chance to meet and connect with other businesses, whether they are just starting their journey or returning veterans. The conference puts on a great event with exceptional speakers, breakout sessions, and sponsors. Jessy and her team work hard to ensure people have relevant information no matter their business or industry,” commented Jennifer Schloesser, Creative Director of Empire Screen Printing. “I would also add that the Harley tour was exceptional. What a great example of an iconic brand highlighting Wisconsin’s rich history of innovators.”
“The Green Masters Program is a comprehensive tool that helps businesses define, prioritize, measure, and manage their sustainability performance, integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. Aligned with internationally recognized standards, it drives continuous improvement and sustainable success. For over fifteen years, the program has helped companies build credible and impactful sustainability initiatives, and we are proud to see companies like Empire Screen Printing pave the way for a more sustainable future in Wisconsin.
Empire Screen Printing has been on its sustainability journey for over 60 years. It wasn’t called that through those years, but continual improvement, resilience, and innovation to exceed the norm have been a founding principle of Empire’s purpose. These foundations led Empire to establish a healthy work environment for their employees, starting in the 70s by utilizing UV inks as a healthier alternative to high VOC solvent inks. The realization of the medium took years to establish, but with newer technologies and a relentless pursuit to not accept the status quote, Empire was using 90% UV inks by the beginning of 2000 and fully completed the transformation in 2020.
Not settling, in 2008, after the market crash, Empire needed to find new ways to manufacture and continue to be a competitive force within the industry. Lean principles and cellular manufacturing became standard terms, and through this process, the discovery of using LED lights within manufacturing was established. The combination of UV LED ink-curing technology in screen printing was officially announced in 2011. This technology has no VOCs, no ozone emissions, and is 98% more energy efficient than conventional screen printing. Empire became a Wisconsin Green Tier participant in 2013 and established an Environmental Management System (EMS) to gain recognition and validate its processes. Empire attended its first WSBC conference in 2015 and hosted it in 2016. WSBC became a source for Empire to acquire knowledge, expand its network, and build connections with like-minded businesses. The tools provided by WSBC helped Empire build off its EMS by including governance and social reporting and completed its first ESG report in 2023. Empire strives to inspire positive change through these commitments, advancing sustainable practices for a healthier planet and inclusive future.
ABOUT WISCONSIN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS COUNCIL
The WI Sustainable Business Council (WSBC) is a member organization dedicated to advancing sustainable principles and practices forward through the power of business. With a focus on collaboration and education, WSBC empowers companies and sustainability professionals to enhance their sustainability outcomes, measure progress and drive positive impacts.
Whether a company is just starting to explore sustainability or is already deeply committed to sustainable practices, WSBC meets them where they are and provides the necessary resources, expertise, and connections to help them succeed. For over 16 years, WSBC has been at the forefront of bringing businesses together to tackle sustainability challenges. By fostering a collaborative environment, WSBC encourages knowledge sharing, innovative thinking, and the development of best practices. Through this collective effort, WSBC helps businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies, unlocking greater profitability and creating a positive impact on the environment and society.
WSBC operates as an affiliate of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions, a well-established organization focused on helping manufacturers succeed in Wisconsin. This affiliation strengthens WSBC’s ability to support sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector, a key driver of the state’s economy.
To learn more visit: https://www.wisconsinsustainability.com/
