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7.31.08PLI, Plasticard Locktech International, is transforming into a greener presence in Western North Carolina. From recycling production materials, replacing 85% of their chemicals to greener alternatives, updating and enhancing the existing structure and utilizing all compostable and biodegradable products in the employee break room, PLI is “going green!” Early this year, PLI formed the “Green Team” tasked with coordinating company-wide changes to natural and sustainable friendly products and developing a green plan for the company. PLI has been very successful in their mission. PLI, the world’s largest manufacturer of hotel keycards, recycles 97% of all post-production plastics. In addition, they recycle 95-100% of their pallets, aluminum, cardboard, paper and plastic bottles. PLI has consciously decided to use inert UV inks, closed water cooling systems for their machines and the most environmentally friendly chemicals for processing. Also, some departments have even gone paperless, using forms and reports on the intranet, saving several thousands of pages of paper a year. PLI recently had their 54,000 square foot galvanized roof sealed and coated with a protective product that conserves energy by reflecting the sun, which will reduce building cooling costs by up to 17%. PLI also underwent an elective relighting project in the warehouse switching from wasteful traditional spot hi-bay lighting to energy efficient T5 fluorescents with motion detectors that use 50% less power than conventional lights and generates a more even light spread. They expect to reduce electric usage by 65,000 kilowatts per year just from the light changes in the warehouse. On the first day of spring this year, PLI planted a pair of extremely rare seven-year-old American Chestnut Trees. There are still very few of these trees in existence, and PLI has joined the cause of bringing this species back from extinction. Next Spring, PLI will plant a series of organic and indigenous gardens in their flower beds. Part of the potential garden planning is herbal kitchen cutting gardens, fruit, indigenous companion planting and an employee vegetable garden. It is their hope that the grounds will reflect their dedication at a local level to restoring our mountains to their original state, one yard at a time. PLI is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary by stepping up its efforts to invest in the well being of the local ecology while taking their formal place as the world’s largest key card manufacturer. (Image provided by PLI.)
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