Copresco has dramatically reduced energy consumption by replacing an outdated lighting system throughout its entire 14,000 sq. ft. digital printing plant.

"The new 5000 Kelvin system reduces shop electrical consumption by 75%, provides a better working environment for our employees and improves our color-management capabilities," says president and CEO Steve Johnson.

5000K fluorescent light fixtures that save over 6,300 kilowatts per month replaced old halide shop lighting. Motion detectors in the warehouse automatically turn lights on and off to reduce unneeded electrical usage.

A certified environmental consultant recommended the eco-friendly system that meets U.S Department of Energy EPACT (Energy Policy Act of 2005) standards and Commonwealth Edison's Smart Ideas Program criteria.

The color-corrected system provides an atmosphere like natural daylight that is easy on the eyes and refreshing. "Colors look decidedly different when viewed under, incandescent, halide or conventional fluorescent lighting sources," Johnson explained. "That can cause problems in matching a printed piece with the designer's specs. Now everyone sees color more accurately throughout the plant."

While Johnson believes the new lighting system was a good business decision, he says Copresco hasn't jumped on any special green bandwagon. "We've been following common-sense business initiatives since we launched the company 23 years ago."

"Digital on-demand printing is a chemistry-free printing system that doesn't produce waste, he says. "With targeted short-press runs, we only print the exact number of books, manuals and publications that our clients need when they need them. This reduces shipping and storage costs-and energy use."

Unlike the petroleum-based ink used in offset and inkjet printing systems, the toner- used in digital presses like Copresco's-is inert and harmless.

Paper itself is a renewable resource and the company is a major paper recycler. "Paper comes to us in truckloads of cartons. Rather than just recycling the corrugated boxes, we began an initiative in the mid-1990s to donate the containers to the Northern Illinois Food Bank," Johnson added. The humanitarian organization packs thousands of the boxes with food to feed hungry people through a charitable network of more than 660 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes and other food-assistance sites.

Copresco specializes in digital on-demand printing of books, manuals and publications for clients in the general business, printing trade, technical and institutional fields.