Eco-Hub

Sustainability drives Hub Folding Box company today. Hub's environmental mission embodies our relentless pursuit of "doing the right thing.” We recognize that a successful business depends on a healthy environment, and we make it our duty and responsibility to conduct our business in ways that reduce waste and preserve the environment.

One of our owners, Paul DiRico, cultivated his passion for sustainability at Hub and led us to the forefront of the sustainability movement. In 1981, when we designed and built our facility, we utilized the heat from our manufacturing equipment to self-generate heat for all production areas, which significantly reduced our use of fossil fuels. We also recycled 100% of all our byproducts, which was before recycling was in vogue. We continue to value these contributions to sustainability today.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO HUB'S FACILITY

• In 1981, Hub designed its facility to self generate heat for all production areas by utilizing heat from the manufacturing equipment. This reduced the use of fossil fuels. All Finished Goods Warehouse space utilizes heat generated by air compressors that is distributed and balanced throughout the warehouse.
• Installed Air Compressor Control System: This system allows for computer control of four 60hp air compressors. Air requirements within the plant are monitored through this PLC control to optimize the number of compressors used to satisfy demand. This system has reduced compressor energy usage by 25%.
• Replaced Pressroom HVAC: Replaced one 140ton and one 20ton HVAC unit with three strategically located 40ton units to cool the same square footage. This reduced kW draw and more effectively balanced cooling throughout the room.
• Redesign of UV Curing System for all printing presses: The UV housing was redesigned to optimize the focal point on the substrate. This redesign resulted in a 50% reduction in power consumption and a 50% reduction in the number of lamps required to effectively cure UV inks on substrates.
• Installed Hershey Power Factor Optimization System: Reduced overall Plant Kw usage by 10%.
• Implemented Transformer and Switch Gear Maintenance Program: Effectively improved electrical efficiency losses by 15%. 
  
• Installed a state certified, non-potable water purification system to balance pH for discharge compliance.
• Since 2012, Hub has reduced water consumption by over 10%. We continue to invest in appropriate methods of conserving and purifying our water usage. 
• Replaced all overhead lighting fixtures with low-energy bulbs and motion sensors.
• Currently working on effectiveness / cost analysis of Solar Energy

ECO-HUB

S F I^®  C e r t i f i e d

Retailers, printers, publishers, distributors and merchants are turning to SFI-certified papers and packaging materials to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced forest products. SFI “percent content” and fiber sourcing labels provide a visual cue telling you and your customers the fiber used to produce paper and packaging products is from a legal and responsible source.

F S C^®  C e r t i f i e d

Carrying the FSC-certification logo on your print products tells the world that you support the highest social and environmental standards in the market where you use paper. Your purchase of FSC-certified paper and print products contribute to conservation, responsible management, and community level benefits for people near the forests that provide your paper.

P E F C  C e r t i f i e d

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification.

PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. Thanks to its eco-label, customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests.

MANUFACTURING CERTIFICATIONS

S Q F  C e r t i f i e d

SQF, stands for Safe Quality Foods, and is a comprehensive food safety and quality management program for the entire food supply chain. It lays out the rules that a business must follow in order help ensure the safety and quality of their product. The business uses the applicable SQF Code to develop and implement a program that meets their needs and then contracts a third party audit company (a certification body) to verify through audits that the program as documented and implemented meets the requirements of the applicable SQF Code and will assure the production of a safe, quality product. Both the Codes have been internationally recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) as exceeding their requirements. An SQF certification is both a management systems certification and a product certification; it is also site and product specific. The program consists of two Codes, the SQF 1000 Code for primary production (farming) and the SQF 2000 Code for food manufacturing and food sector services. Both are HACCP-based and address food safety controls, management system requirements and the control of quality. Unlike other programs, the SQF Codes can be applied seamlessly through the entire food supply chain.

C u r r e n t  G o o d  M a n u f a c t u r i n g  P r a c t i c e s

GMP refers to the Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations promulgated by the US Food and Drug Administration under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. GMP regulations require a quality approach to manufacturing, enabling companies to minimize or eliminate instances of contamination, mixups, and errors. This in turn, protects the consumer from purchasing a product  which is not effective or even dangerous. GMP is also sometimes referred to as "cGMP". The "c" stands for "current," reminding manufacturers that they must employ technologies and systems which are up-to-date in order to comply with the regulation.

G 7 M a s t e r  C e r t i f i e d

The IDEAlliance G7 Masters qualification program identifies those printing companies, prepress service providers, and agencies that have been trained to use the G7 Proof-to-Proof Process and can produce proofs or can print to G7 standards. The G7 Master qualification mark means that the company uses the most modern technology, techniques, proofing and press controls, and standards required to produce a close visual match from proof to print.

Hub Folding Box has been recycling long before it became fashionable to be green. Hub started to recycle for both environmental reasons and the financial concerns of waste disposal. Hub commands an extensive recycling program, which sorts and recycles 99% of plant and office waste. Created by a dedicated staff, their extraordinary recycling program eliminates tons of waste from landfills while saving financial and valuable environmental resources. Their main goal was to decrease the amount of waste material going into the trash compactors. The second goal was to create a proactive approach with their suppliers to reduce waste. Ultimately, this contributes less waste reaching landfills and less of an impact on the environment. Hub's Recycling Training Program requires the participation and cooperation of all their employees. In 2014, Hub recycled over 1,700 tons of paper, which led to the preservation of 30,345 trees, as well as saving 142,977 cubic feet of landfill space.

Hub has a complete solution for collecting all of our manufacturing waste by using a custom designed four bale fully integrated master system which segregates up to four different types of substrates simultaneously. All waste materials are shredded and segregated by material type by using floor sweep and bulk material shredders for recycling. This investment provided labor savings, reduced recycled bale storage, and reduced the amount of bales to be shipped per week. Hub continually monitors market changes to achieve the best possible price. Hub’s model has been used by other companies as a guide for their own recycling programs. Government organizations also have recognized their effort to reduce and reuse manufacturing materials. Each year they have 95% of their solid waste recycled. Moreover, they create 6,500 tons of recycled material. Their recycling program now creates a valuable income stream for the company. Today, Hub’s model recycling program continues to adhere to their strict measures of their extensive and effective recycling mission to control and reduce their waste system.