When people think of the environmental impact of printing they tend to think in terms of paper. This makes sense because paper is the most publicly visible component. Paper mills are indeed working hard to make positive changes through the management of sustainable forests using responsible logging practices and limiting the use of herbicides and pesticides. The Forest Stewardship Council was established to implement a stringent chain of custody procedures to ensure the cleanest, most energy efficient processing and manufacturing possible. And of course recycling remains an important part of their efforts.

What is less publicized is the “greening” of the actual process of printing. Traditional offset printers are switching from petroleum-based inks to vegetable-based inks such as soybean, linseed and flax. All of these greatly reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during printing and drying. These inks are also easier to remove from the paper during the de-inking process prior to recycling.

Another way the printing industry is going green is through the adoption of more digital presses. With digital printing, the need for “make-ready” sheets is virtually eliminated, thus saving paper, ink, and the energy needed to run the presses. Perhaps the most obvious way in which digital printing saves resources is the ability to cost effectively print only what is needed when it is needed. There is no longer a reason to print in large quantities and then have to destroy outdated materials. This not only reduces waste, but also storage costs. Another way to reduce waste is to use variable data printing to send targeted communications. Page counts can be reduced with the aid of customization, thus reducing the print run and the amount of paper used.

Presses are also becoming much more environmentally friendly. For example, 97% of the components in our iGen3 are recyclable or re-manufacturable. Plus, our iGen digital presses use dry toners. This is great news for the environment for a number of reasons:
1. Our dry toners are vegetable-based and non-toxic
2. The toners are in closed containers with an almost 100% transfer rate, guaranteeing minimal emissions to the air – and no liquid emissions
3. No alcohols, chlorinated solvents, acids or flammable materials are used or created in the process
4. Empty cartridges are returned to Xerox for reuse or recycling

Obviously, there is still much to be done, but rest assured as greener options become available to our industry we will continue to embrace them. In the meanwhile, let’s all take some time this weekend to enjoy one of the many Earth Day celebrations and perhaps learn a few new ways to treat our home right.

Once again it is time to shine the spotlight on one of our employees and let everyone get to know a little more about the great group we’ve got here at Flexpress. This month we visit with David, one of our longest-tenured employees. David has been with us for 19 of our 20 years in business! David was kind enough to share a moment with us as he went about his busy day of keeping our computer systems running smoothly – no small feat considering the high volume of projects we handle each day.

What is your official title at Flexpress?
Manager of support services

What was the most unusual job you held before joining Flexpress?
Picking coffee in Kenya.

How would you describe your duties here?
Serving internal and external customers.

If you could switch jobs with one person at Flexpress for the day, who would it be?
I would not want to switch but if I had to it would be Sales.

People sometimes assume IT guys are computer geeks. Do you think of yourself in those terms?
Not really, other than the fact that I have a 5 pc network, 4 laptops, 2 iPads, x2 wireless routers and 4 printers.

That sounds like someone who is immersed in his vocation. What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to repair things, work in the garden, travel and read. I also have a collection of more than 15,000 photos.

Are there any organizations that you belong to? If so, how did you get involved with them?
I have been chairman for 10 years of a small investment group, Umoja Dallas. We met as friends to save a little each month for emergency funds and joint family vacations.

What is your favorite book or movie?
Like most men my age, Scarface is a favorite movie.

Is there one secret talent that you keep hidden, or only show off for party tricks?
Yes I am able to turn one arm clockwise and the other counterclockwise at the same time.

We suspect that talent may come in handy at work, too, as you handle all the demands of your job. Thanks for chatting with us, David.

Interested in seeing how we can put those well-maintained systems to work for you? Drop us a line at sales@flexpress.com. 

Spring officially arrives March 20th. Warm weather and green grass beckon. For many people this means one thing: it’s time to hit the links. As tempting as it might sound to sneak out from work to play a few rounds, at Flexpress we are content to stay busy printing custom golf ball boxes.

Personalized packaging is a great attention grabber and these custom boxes are perfect for any number of golf events, from charity golf tournaments to wedding party gifts or even private labeled for country clubs. They also make great fundraising items for school teams. The custom printed box can hold three golf balls and provides ample space to display your message. We can supply the template, or set up the art for you if you’d rather be golfing. Don’t worry, we won’t tell your boss a thing.

Although we can’t join you on the golf course for a “business meeting” we will be more than glad to discuss any questions you may have, just email us at sales@flexpress.com or call 972.980.2631 at your convenience.

As many of you know, we were Valet Sponsors at the Fort Worth ADDY Gala on February 25th and handed out gift bags. Those bags contained a bottle of custom labeled water and a deck of playing cards. Each deck had a unique number printed on its box. (don’t you love Variable Data Printing?) As promised, we have drawn three numbers this week for $50.00 gift cards to your choice of Mi Cocina or Gloria’s. If the number on your box matches the number drawn you win! Simple, yes?

Today we reveal the third and final number. It is:
FWADDY2229

If that number matches the one on your card deck you can claim your gift card by either calling us at 972.980.2631 or emailing us at sales@flexpress.com.

As a reminder, the number drawn on Wednesday has not yet been claimed. It is FWADDY2357

Good Luck!

Congratulations to Liz Heck of JODesign for winning a $50.00 gift card to Mi Cocina, courtesy of Flexpress. How did she do it, you ask? Simple. She picked up a free goody bag from us as she exited the Fort Worth ADDY Gala last Saturday and then checked the number on her deck of cards against the randomly drawn number we posted on Monday. Winner!

The good news is, you may also be a winner. If the number on your deck of cards is:
FWADDY2357
you have won a $50.00 gift card to your choice of Mi Cocina or Gloria’s. All you have to do to claim the prize is give us a call at 972.980.2631 or drop us a line at sales@flexpress.com with your contact info and your winning number. Show us the box when we drop off the gift card and that’s it, you’re all set.

If that isn’t your number, don’t worry. You still have one more chance to win this week. We will be drawing the third and final winning number on Friday, so be sure to check back then. Good Luck!

Between the showcase of real talent and faux mustaches, the AAF Fort Worth ADDY Gala was a festive evening last Saturday. Congratulations to all of the winners, with a special “shout-out” to Ardent Creative for winning Best of Show. We really enjoyed sharing a table and lots of laughs with members of your group.

As Valet Sponsors we distributed gift bags at the end of the evening. In addition to a bottle of custom labeled water (we do those, you know) the goody bag also included a deck of cards with a special number on the outer box. There will be three winning numbers randomly drawn this week and posted here. If the number on your box matches the drawn number you win a $50.00 gift card to Mi Cocina. All you have to do to claim the prize is give us a call at 972.980.2631 or drop us a line at sales@flexpress.com with your contact info and your winning number. Show us the box when we drop off the gift card and that’s it, you’re all set for a nice meal!

Here’s the first of the three winning numbers:

FWADDY2316

Don’t fret if that isn’t your number, just check back on Wednesday when we post the next one. Good Luck!

What is your official title at Flexpress?
Front Desk Receptionist       

How would you describe your duties at Flexpress?
I would describe them as ACTIVE. Yes, active, as we are always moving, moving, moving and I don’t mind it one bit. This isn’t your regular receptionist job that requires you to just sit, enter data and answer calls. I like that I can move around from department to department helping wherever I am needed. My favorite part of the job is that we never have a dull moment.

If you could switch jobs at Flexpress for the day, what would it be and why?
That’s a tough question because every job is a challenge here. I would go with Pre-press. I want to know how the machines work. That would be beneficial to me so I can understand how long it takes to run jobs.

What do you like to do outside of work?
This one is easy. SHOPPING! That doesn’t mean I always buy things but I love the challenge of finding a great deal.

Are there any organizations that you belong to? If so, how did you get involved with them?
When I get the chance, I volunteer for Bea’s Kids. It’s an after school program for kids Pre-K to High School to get assistance with homework. I used to be a part of that program growing up myself so it is very near and dear to my heart.

Is there one secret talent that you keep hidden?
I am great at baking. I love to make cookies, brownies, cupcakes. I have 10 nieces and nephews that are willing to test those skills.

What is the one thing people would be most surprised to find out about you?
I used to dance Baile Folklorico growing up in high school. Learning each state’s dance was so interesting to me. Each one had a different costume and theme. The ones I performed the most in are Veracruz and Jalisco. I miss dancing, as it was such a big part of my life.

We love digital printing. We love thinking about. We love talking about it. We love doing it. And with Valentine’s Day fast approaching we’d love to share why:

1. Fast Turns. No offset plates = short set up time, and at 110 pages per minute our presses are fearless in the face of deadlines.

2. Ton of paper choices. When it comes to stock, digital printing is anything but plain white vanilla. Our digital presses can print on weights all the way up to 24 pt. and on a variety of colors and finishes – metallic, pearlized, textured and recycled stocks, even plastic!

3. Inline Collation. Electronically collate page images while mixing total black pages with color. Genius.

4. Auto duplexing. The ability to print both sides of the sheet with one pass through the press makes digital fast, efficient and cost effective. What’s not to love?

5. High quality. Vibrant colors and sharp details make our hearts flutter.

6. No shop smell. No alcohols, chlorinated solvents or acids means no stinky vapors. Ahhh… we really, really love that.

7. No messy inks. Digital presses use non-toxic dry inks in closed containers, making it safer for our employees and greener for everyone.

8. Short run pricing. To be honest, everyone loves this about digital printing.

9. Variable data printing. Personalized content can be incorporated into direct mail and other materials in one pass through the press, saving time and money.

10. Our customers. During the last 20 years as digital printers we have been fortunate to work with some really great, talented people who have trusted us to produce their printed materials. We love that most of all!

Recently we discussed the personalized targeting capabilities of variable data printing in direct marketing. But what about those times when you simply don’t have a database established yet? The United States Postal Service is offering a new service that allows you to reach every customer in a chosen area without having the street addresses or even names.

With Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM™) you can target areas by neighborhood, ZIP Code or city. USPS letter carriers will deliver your ad or promotion to every mailbox along the selected routes. Because they are already making those stops while delivering the daily mail the cost is extremely reasonable – as little as 14.5 cents per piece for postage.

EDDM Retail is a great way to deliver coupons, offers, sales, specials and event promotions to desired audiences in a specific area. It isn’t necessary to know the names or street addresses. Just use the approved EDDM format of “Local Postal Customer”. EDDM Retail is geared to smaller businesses with smaller mailings of 5,000 maximum mail pieces per mailer per day. There is no need for a postage permit and there is no annual fee. However, there are certain size and weight restrictions. To qualify the piece must weigh no more than 3.3 ounces and be a Standard Mail flat. Additional size information and step-by-step instructions can be found at www.uspseverydoor.com.

For larger businesses with larger mailings the USPS offers EDDM Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). You can achieve great saturation while targeting entire cities or regions. Tools are available online to help estimate postage by showing how many customers are nearby, or in the chosen mailing area. A Mailing Permit is needed for this option. Again, additional tools and instructions can be found at www.uspseverydoor.com.

Direct mail is still the preferred way of receiving marketing materials and it is great to know that there are options available for every business’s needs, whether they have a database of existing customers in place or are just starting out. If you have any questions about direct mail printing that you would like to discuss please contact us at sales@flexpress.com.

What is your official title at Flexpress?
I believe my official title would be Printer Operator/Bindery

How would you describe your duties at Flexpress?
My job at Flexpress varies due to being a printer and working in bindery. At times I am collating books, padding, inserting, tabs and binding, and other times I’m working the printers, running jobs and monitoring the machines.

What is your favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job would be the spontaneous goods and big potlucks we have about every month. I can never resist free food and desserts.

What one thing would people be most surprised to find out about you?
One thing I think people would be most surprised to find out is that I was in All District Choir.

What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I love to relax and just hang out with friends. I also love dancing, filming, going to the gym and playing sports such as football and basketball.

I understand you are in a dance group. How did you get interested in that?
The dance group I’m involved in is a group called the Filipino Student Association (FSA) at The University of Texas at Dallas. I’ve always wanted to dance, especially modern hip-hop. Friends that were in FSA introduced me to the group and I started to attend all the events and meetings. The group generally represents Filipino heritage and also its culture. We perform cultural dances, have Filipino styled meals and dinners, and have several events.

You mentioned you enjoy competitive sports? Any in particular?
Yes! I really enjoy playing football. I played football during my freshman and junior year and I just love the thrill of it and the adrenaline when playing.

Tell us a little about your interest in photography. What is your favorite subject matter?
I first got involved in photography when I took a photography class during high school. And from then on, taking photos and the artistic creativity of it is pretty interesting. I’d have to say that abstract/nature and clouds/skies would be my favorite subject matters.

What else do you like to do with your free time? Are there any organizations that you belong to?
Other than just relaxing with friends and going out, I enjoy watching movies, playing games and playing flag football during my free time. As of now, the organization I’m active in would be UTD’s Filipino Student Association.

It sounds like you have a lot of talents. Is there one that you keep hidden, or only show off for party tricks time?
I think the dancing comes out of me when it comes to partying and blaring music.

Thanks for sharing with us, Ralph. We love the energy you bring to Flexpress!