Versadesk’s Contribution to Sustainability
Mar 15th 2023
Protecting the Future
At VersaDesk, we recognize the importance of environmental sustainability while we conduct business, making our footprint on the earth as small as possible. We are committed to understanding the impact our organization has on the environment and working to continually improve our environmental performance, while encouraging our suppliers to do the same.
To support this, we seek to adhere and uphold these principles through the following initiatives:
Product Selection:
VersaDesk is proud to offer a variety of environmentally friendly products. The products featured in our Green Furniture category vary from items that contain recycled fabrics and plastics to items being GREENGUARD® certified to support better indoor air quality by having low chemical emissions. To view our entire line of Green products visit our Green Furniture category
Catalog and Marketing:
VersaDesk continually strives to manage data lists in an environmentally-responsible manner with a focus on reducing the amount of duplicate, unwanted and undeliverable mail.
1. We Reduce the Amount of Waste
We periodically review direct mail and direct marketing packages and test downsized pieces when and where appropriate and use lighter-weight papers wherever feasible. In addition, we adjust trim sizes of our publications and/or collateral in an effort to reduce waste.
We test and use production methods that reduce print order overruns, waste allowances and in-process waste. We work with our printer to explore new printing techniques such as digital and computer-to-plate (CTP) printing and virtual proofing that help reduce chemicals, paper waste and emissions.
2. We Give Preference to Recyclable and/or Reusable Materials
We use recycled paper for various printed communications whenever possible and appropriate. We utilize ink-jet addressing and open address windows to eliminate the need for additional labels on envelopes and parcels.
3. We Communicate Environmental Principles to Suppliers
We review supplier companies' environmental policies and practices, and encourage them to reduce, reuse, and recycle and give preference to printers that seek to reduce air and water pollution, energy use, and chemical waste in their operations. We communicate these goals within our organization and to our suppliers.
4. We Print Catalogs Responsibly
We work with printers that are sensitive to environmental concerns and that strive to reduce their eco-footprint. Our current printer has received the Environmental Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) three years in a row. Over the past 17 years, our printer has reduced ink waste by 74% and currently achieves a corporate average recycling rate of solid waste of 98%.
5. We Mail Responsibly
We maintain in-house do-not-mail lists for prospects and customers who do not wish to receive future marketing contacts from us. Further, we provide periodic notices and opportunities for prospects and customers to opt-out of receiving future marketing contacts from our organization. We also ensure that our mailing lists are current and up-to-date by utilizing the USPS National Change of Address (NCOA) and the USPS Address Correction Service (ACS), as well as through response models and customer segmentation.
Paper Procurement:
VersaDesk recognizes the importance of responsible forestry practices. We strive to procure, use, and recover paper in a manner that helps to ensure the sustainable use of forests and other natural resources. Learn more
1. We Research & Understand Our Investment in Paper
We work to understand the investment our company has in paper and work to address environmental issues associated with paper procurement. We recognize the importance of maintaining biodiversity and avoid sourcing from rare forest types and areas with high concentrations of rare and endangered species. We seek to work with suppliers who have integrated conservation values and programs into their operations.
2. We Encourage Responsible Use of Forest Resources
We evaluate paper used for marketing pieces, product packaging and internal consumption to identify opportunities for increased recycled content, increased post-consumer recycled content, lower basis weights and other environmental attributes and identify for consumers paper and paperboard products made from fibers manufactured with recycled content with post-consumer material.
We consider the net environmental benefits and detriments of using recycled fiber before purchasing it and understand that recycled fiber manufacture, transportation and de-ink sludge disposal can have significant environmental impact.
We work with our printers to reduce paper waste (reduced overage counts, make-ready waste, etc.) and utilize digital production proofing whenever possible.
Workplace and Community:
VersaDesk policies and initiatives in this area are guided by the Three R's: "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." With this in mind, we seek an efficient and environmentally sensible workplace, as well as to promote environmental stewardship in our community.
1. We Reduce & Reuse in the Workplace
Where possible and practical, we purchase office papers, packing and packaging materials made from recycled materials with post-consumer content. We encourage the use of electronic communications (e-mail, Web and intranet) for external and internal communications whenever possible. We make primary use of two-sided printing and photocopying where appropriate. We reuse file folders, hanging folders and binders where appropriate and substitute durable materials for disposable products.
2. We Deploy Recycling in Our Workplace
We implement in-house recycling programs for paper, beverage cans and bottles, printing ink and toner cartridges, personal and laptop computers and we coordinate recycling practices in office buildings with other tenant companies.
3. We Promote/Advance Recycling in Our Community
We educate customers by advising them about what is or is not recyclable among materials we present to them, and, if available, where to recycle materials. We use the recyclable symbol to identify paper and paperboard products made from fibers that, after use, are suitable for recycling.
We ensure that all environmental labeling is clear, honest and complete, so our customers may know the exact nature of what is being claimed and provide customers with information about recycling in our catalog.
We participate in DMA's "Recycle Please" campaign.
Just the Beginning:
VersaDesk is committed to continually improving our environmental performance. We endeavor to integrate environmental considerations into all aspects of our operations. We readily acknowledge that environmental stewardship is an ongoing challenge and a continual learning experience and we have therefore formed an internal Green Task Force to research best practices and to explore the possibility of partnerships with other companies, environmental and conservation organizations, and local communities, all with the intent of further strengthening our environmental stewardship
