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G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 2 0 2 2 A P R I L G R A P H I C S P R O 5 1 "Younger generations, particularly those which fall into the Millennial and Gen Z categories, are more concerned about en- vironmentalism and sustainability. ey're seeing the impact that fast fashion has on our planet – that it's not kind to the environ- ment – and are changing their shopping habits," Hertwig says. "We have to do better and incorporate more eco-friendly ways into everyday life." Traditionally, the graphics industry receives poor marks in the area of sustainability. Conventional materials, overproduction, and unrecyclable scrap can strain natural resources, impact car- bon emissions, and create massive waste in landlls. As a result, forward-thinking industry leaders are stepping up to nd eective ways to balance a commitment to sustainability without stiing creativity or sacricing quality. Some mission-oriented companies, like Everywhere Apparel, are fully committed to sourcing 100% recycled materials, which guarantee the lowest environmental impact. "A lot of companies are working on advanced sustainable tech- nology that really can't be applied today, or not at scale," says Everywhere's Irys Kornbluth, co-CEO. "But we can be more sus- tainable at scale – and that's what we're here to prove. Just by re- placing all the [traditional] materials with next-generation options [like 100% recycled cotton], we're able to be more sustainable and have a massive impact within the existing production structure." At other companies like Uni, Lane Seven Apparel, and Atlantis Caps, sustainability initiatives emerged from a desire to upgrade materials, clean up the supply chain, integrate renewable energy resources, or reduce and recycle superuous waste sent to landlls. Whether driven by stewardship and earthly metrics, keen fore- sight in consumer demand, or a combination of both, company leaders agree sustainability is a spectrum everyone can participate in at some level. e case studies below demonstrate how compa- nies of every size can hold themselves to a higher standard, with seemingly insignicant changes adding up to have rolling impacts, Kornbluth says. EASIWAY SYSTEMS John Schluter and Doug Easthouse founded Easiway in 1980, with a goal to supply the graphic arts industry with high-quality, competitively priced screen-cleaning products that are safer for the workplace and environment. "Easiway is proud to be focusing on choosing safer alternatives and minimizing water consumption before environmental sus- tainability was even talked about in the industry and mainstream media," notes Sara Monet Schluter Broghamer, chief operations ocer at Easiway Systems. "e products oered over the years were safer before customers knew that is what they wanted." Whereas most competitors may turn to less expensive but more dangerous components when formulating their products, she says Easiway steers clear of harmful raw materials altogether to stick to its mission. e company also pioneered dip tank soaking as a safe and ef- fective way to clean ink and emulsion o screens – a win for water conservation. Other methods may include four or more products, all of which need rinsing. With Easiway, Schluter Broghamer says most of these steps are combined into a single soaking solution that requires one, maybe two, rinses. However, she insists that the people behind the products truly advance the company's mission. Easiway holds an edge in research and development, Schluter Broghamer says, pointing to a knowl- edgeable team keeping up with ever-changing laws, regulations, and restricted substance lists. John Schluter and Doug Easthouse founded Easiway in 1980, with a goal to supply the graphic arts industry with screen-cleaning products that are safer for the workplace and environment. (Images courtesy Easiway)