04.06.07
New Printer is Next Step in Journey to ‘Green’ AGS

AGS strives to update internal processes, purchase from responsible suppliers and manufacture products with less environmental impact. We understand the long-term impacts our industry is creating. And believe it’s our responsibility to do our part in removing harmful materials from buildings and construction.

PVC – the vinyl graphic arts material that decorates signs – is standard material in the signage industry for copy and symbols. It is also a known carcinogen, and is considered the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posing great environmental and health hazards in its manufacture, product life and disposal. With those dangers in mind, we researched PVC alternatives. Recent advancements in high-resolution digital printing and the ability to print directly onto rigid substrates, led us to a flatbed printer as the solution.

We invested in the Mimaki 6050, a six-color, flatbed digital printer. It prints UV inks directly onto signage, eliminating the need for PVC applications. The printer stands alone in a specially constructed climate-controlled room where air quality is constantly monitored. The high resolution printing and seemingly flat application improves the appearance of the signs. It also prevents the vandalism of peeling vinyl graphics off the signs.

AGS Sign Standard Program (SSP) clients expect consistency in their signage. Colors have to match, from sign to sign and throughout short or long production runs, for an entire facility. Increasingly, AGS clients are also making great strides in green construction. So, AGS is currently beta testing color matching and resolution control on the Mimaki. Soon all interior signs and maps for SSP clients will be converted to this PVC-free production method.

As part of our green initiative, we invest in education and tools for our staff and operate through GGHC, LEED, ISO9000 and the principles of Lean Enterprise to meet our environmental commitment. We consider our clients as partners in this initiative and we collaborate and share knowledge to maximize our transformation to a greener organization.

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