The Environment

Our commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated in the way we produce our products and operate our business. We reduce waste at our manufacturing facilities; operate as non-polluting manufacturers; and recycle and source recycled products on an ongoing basis.

Our employees are equally committed to recycling and waste minimization, with office programs in place to further this effort at our facilities across the country. Here are some ways Valassis contributes to environmental preservation:

Waste paper being baled for recycling

A pallet of recycleable aluminum

Triple chain of custody paper certification;
100% aluminum plate recycling; approximately 600,000 pounds annually;
100% recycling of packaging materials from paper rolls;
600,000 recycled pallets;
13,000 - 15,000 tons of paper and cardboard recycled annually from direct mail sites;
100% waste ink recycled; 60,000 pounds of ink annually;
Ink delivered in reusable containers;
Identify and work with paper suppliers that have sustainable forestry initiatives (SFI) in place; and
Company-wide in-office recycling program of paper, soft drink and plastic containers.

Manufacturing Commitment

While our commitment to the environment is company-wide, it is most evident at our three printing plants in Livonia, Michigan; Durham, North Carolina; and Wichita, Kansas. Reducing waste is a priority, and each year, objectives to achieve waste reductions are set in our printing plants. Additionally, these facilities:

Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer
Air Cleaner

Are equipped with efficient ink drying technology, providing 98% air pollution reduction;
Monitor waste water streams to prevent the introduction of harmful chemicals;
Monitor internal air quality;
Use chemical-free photo imaging technology (Computer to Plate);
Have adopted Spill Prevention Containment and Control (SPCC) guidelines;
Recycle waste streams using "fuels blending" method;
Use recycled pallets when available/appropriate for USPS stream;
Sort waste papers for better re-use options;
Incorporate a shop rag program (clean and re-use); and
Strictly adhere to or exceed all local, state and federal environmental regulations and policies.

Paper
Valassis has been a leader in the testing and evaluation of recycled paper products for a number of years. Our printing presses are equipped to accommodate recycled paper and we use a number of paper products, which are derived from recycled materials.

Valassis offers its clients the ability to have their promotions printed on paper certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI); or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Client promotions printed on certified paper will bear the appropriate logo, a symbol of compliance with the certifying organization's standards, ensuring the sources that the paper is made from promotes environmental sustainability.

PEFC/29-31-103

The Value of Print Promotions
Consumers depend on RedPlum™ print promotions as a source of value. They are also an essential lifeline to the clients we serve, driving sales, launching new products and retaining and educating consumers. In 2009, we saw record increases in both coupon distribution and redemption. The challenging economy led consumers to change their shopping habits and this mindset will continue long after the economy turns around. The consumer landscape is changing. Shoppers also use direct mail to make targeted trips to retail locations. By replacing trips to the mall each year with shopping with RedPlum products, direct mail, inserts, catalogs or online, consumers reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save gasoline. We are committed to delivering value to consumers how, when and where they want.

Company

The Environment

Manufacturing Commitment