May 13, 2009

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Chamber member SMC Packaging Group with their “Choose Environmental Excellence” Business Award on Friday, April 17, 2009 .  Locally owned, a manufacturer and distributor of corrugated packaging, packaging supplies, and packaging equipment, part of SMC’s mission includes providing all aspects of service in “an ethically and environmentally responsible manner” Nearly 76 percent of the materials produced in the industry, on the whole are recovered and recycled.

SMC recently earned Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certification for its three manufacturing locations which means two-thirds of the company’s raw material originates from mills with certified wood fiber procurement systems or recycled paper sources.  In addition, one of SMC’s paper suppliers is trying to achieve a “Zero Carbon Footprint” while two others use 100 percent post consumer corrugated as their fiber source.

SMC has also formed a Sustainability Study Group made up of SMC employees, suppliers, and customers to ensure the longevity and continual progress of SMC’s environmentally sustainable efforts.  The award was presented by Matt Morrow of the Home Builders Association, the recipient of the 2008 award. (Contact Jen Johnson at the Chamber for more information 417-862-5567).

Reprinted from the Environmental Excellence Newsletter Volume 19: No. 1 – Spring 2009