Western States has become the first envelope manufacturer to join the Two Sides initiative. Two Sides is a non-profit organization created to provide members of the Graphic Communications Supply Chain a forum to promote the responsible production and use of print and paper, improve sustainability standards and practices, share experiences and maximize customer confidence in our products.

Two Sides Mission Statement   'Two Sides' is an initiative by companies from the Graphic Communications Supply Chain including forestry, pulp, paper, inks and chemicals, pre press, press, finishing, publishing and printing. Our common goals are to promote the responsible production and use of print and paper, and dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why print on paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium.

How is Western States Contributing to Conservation?

In business since 1908, WSEL is known for its expansive stock product offerings, progressive manufacturing techniques and commitment to industry-wide environmental issues. Green practices are a top priority at WSEL and encompass processes such as: providing products that reduce mailing inventories by 50%, use 35% less paper while eliminating inserting and fulfilment costs; offering digital window envelope technology improvements like the Digi-Clear line, and creating envelopes with a "please recycle" imprint to encourage recycling and promote sustainability. Other ways WSEL is committed to environmental responsibility include:

• Providing 1,500 stock products ready for immediate delivery that are manufactured with Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certified practices from envelope converting through CoC-certified printing.

• Reducing ink usage with revolutionary ink-mixing equipment that saves VOCs and ISO disposal costs, and recycles old, redundant or slow-moving ink stock.

• Implementing a company-wide recycling program with a zero waste goal at its label facility. Label waste is converted into fuel pellets that generate energy and keep 40,000 pounds of waste per month out of landfills.

• Employing energy efficient methods to minimize consumption at its locations. For example, the company's label facility was built with tilt-up concrete walls to provide better insulation, and products are manufactured and printed with more efficient laser die cutting techniques.

• Promoting the positive sustainability benefits of paper and dispelling myths that negatively affect the global progression of the pulp and paper sector.

Learn More

Two Sides Web site: www.twosides.us

Watch a Video and Request a Poster: www.wsel.com/ecographic-poster

Free downloadable pdf: www.youlovepaper.info/Content/UK/download_6.pdf

More Paper Conservation info: www.youlovepaper.info

Read a Two Sides interview with Sprint regarding their sustainable paper sourcing here. As part of their initiative, Sprint uses the EcoEnvelope™ to reduce paper and mailing costs. Interested in EcoEnvelopes™? Check out our video!