• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Paper Substrates

    Wine Labels

    Static Control

    Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems

    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team

    C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press

    Crypto codes combat fake malaria drugs in Africa

    Constantia Flexibles launches recyclable pharma packaging

    Henkel introduces Technomelt Supra ECO
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Omet tackles the flexo debate

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press

    Phoseon announces NIR LED lamps

    Hamillroad Software appoints Carl Brock senior application specialist

    Artex Label installs Rotoflex DF1 finishing machine

    Phoseon partners with Narrow Web Italia
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    Lightning Labels details custom diecut labels

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG)

    Martin Automatic Inc.

    KTI

    QC Electronics, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Letters From The Earth

    Dear Mr. President

    A look at President Trump's position on the Paris Accord.

    Related CONTENT
    • Circularity
    • Channeled Resources Group
    • Avery Dennison names Gregory Lovins SVP and CFO
    • Avery Dennison helps converters expand into flexible packaging
    • 2017 DuPont Award for Packaging Innovation Winners
    Calvin Frost07.14.17
    Yo, Mr. Trump! (Dare I call him President?). Another EO!  What now, what else are you going to try to undo? What mindless, untoward thought, egotistical move are you going to try to make now? I don’t hate you, because hate isn’t in my vocabulary. But I dislike you intensely. And, because I’m not part of an organization, or the editor of a newspaper or magazine, I can speak my mind.

    I am so, so disappointed. I don’t think the Paris Accord was entirely fair to America, but it was a start. Unlike the Kyoto Treaty, which America never signed, the Paris Agreement gave us a chance to participate, to change and lead.  We would have, and legally still can, make changes to make the agreement more equitable for the US. But no, Trump has to attempt to circumvent “the deal.” Thank goodness for the Jerry Browns of America, who will keep us in the game.  He is the antithesis of Donald Trump. He is driving the State of California to reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas. He is leading environmental change throughout the world. Maybe the US will secede from the Paris Accord. Not California. And, trust me, this means something:  California is the fifth or sixth largest power in the world, depending on your method of calculation. His actions make his state a committed environmental citizen of the world. Go Jerry!

    Okay, I feel better having unloaded all my anger and frustration. This column was originally intended to be the first of a two part series on bio-chemistry, and how it is beginning and can bring change to our industry. Sadly, because of Mr. Trump’s Executive Order to withdraw America from the Paris Accord, I need to deviate, not so much to bash his decision, as to celebrate the progress we’ve made, the changes and movements that are occurring in America and the world, both governmentally and privately. I wrote several columns ago that the groundswell of change is too strong for the current administration to ignore. Environmental improvement is occurring. Change is happening, albeit very slowly. However, the world is waking up to the importance of change, regardless of Mr. Trump and his view of global warming. We are reducing packaging waste. We are using more renewable energy. We are focused on carbon dioxide reduction, retention and redeployment. State governments, not just California, are committed to improving and supporting environmental programs that reduce and eliminate waste.  And, best of all, the private sector has discovered that sustainability builds a better bottom line, not only better, but a more robust bottom line. Further, it’s not just the supply chain, it’s all employees in every aspect of the supply chain, who recognize the importance of environmental improvement. Mr. Trump’s decision to exit the Paris Agreement will probably backfire: the rank and file here in America, in my view, are committed to continued focus and improvement of sustainability goals that align with the general objectives of both the Kyoto and Paris Accords. This is very exciting. Mr. Trump’s EO action is nothing more than adding stimulus, creating a sense of urgency to “get going.”

    In the next issue I’ll review green chemistry, bio-chemicals, and bio-based polyols. Here, in this column, let me throw a few darts at Mr. Trump’s position on the Paris Accord. First, I believe withdrawal from the agreement is a signal to the rest of the world that America “doesn’t care” about the environment. That can’t be further from the truth and I’ll give you a few examples:
    • • Flexible packaging manufacturers that make multi-layered substrates are getting closer and closer to solving the problem of recyclability.  This industry has historically focused on reduced production costs, better shipping and transportation efficiencies and higher sales of end products because of shelf appeal. Now the industry is beginning to focus on end of life and circle economy. Kudos to this packaging segment for waking up!
    • •  The chemical industry continues to focus on using more and more natural polymers. For example, CNSL, the acronym for cashew nutshell lignin. Historically, CNSL, as a by-product of the cashew industry, was discarded, landfilled. Today the industry makes “cardanol,” which is a natural phenolic compound. Cardanol has interesting chemical structural features, which makes it similar to petro-based epoxy chemistry.
    • • The demand for “green” coatings is forecast to grow at 5% per year from 2015 to 2020 by market research firm, Lucintel. The drivers, according to Lucintel, are demand by end use markets, stronger environmental regulations (sorry Mr. Pruitt), and a growing awareness of the damage caused by end use markets. (Read my column on the use of neonicotinoids, or neonics for short.)
    • • Energy usage is obviously a critical part of improvement in sustainability. All sectors of manufacturing, here and throughout the world, are increasingly focused on not just energy reduction because of efficiency programs, but the use of green energy. Green energy obviously includes wind, solar and geothermal. It also includes the diversion of non-recyclables into energy applications. I have written about pellets and cubes made from these streams. Now there is something else, fluff. Fluff is made from the same non-recyclable feedstocks used to make pellets.  The difference is that it is not compressed into a pellet or cube. The feedstocks are shredded and conveyed directly into boilers as a replacement for both coal and gas. This growing application could change the landscape for non-recyclables. And, fluff fits into the messages from Avery Dennison and Amcor. Ron Delia, CEO of Amcor, says, “Packaging waste includes the loss of resources when packaging is not recovered or recycled.”
    Everything has become so intertwined. Avery Dennison has listened to the messages from Mr. Delia and the CEO of Unilever, Paul Polman. Their objective is zero landfill by 2025. Fluff is a part of the solution, no question. Buying green energy from the grid is also part of the solution. Yes, we are seeing progress. Yes, slowly, change is occurring.

    I wanted very much to introduce you to the non-profit, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Some of you may know them. For those who don’t, they are the most preeminent organization in the world focused on renewable energy. Jules Kortenhorst, CEO, wrote a brilliant response to the Trump decision to exit the Paris Accord. You can find it online under the RMI website. Jules is less emotional, less angry, and more practical in his response than this writer. In a very nice but strong response, he says Trump is making a mistake in removing us from the process of change. Please take the time to read his full response.

    One aspect Jules fails to mention is the fact that America won’t be leaving the Paris Accord any time too soon. Ha ha. Trump has been trumped by the terms of the agreement. You see it takes more than a speech and an EO to make change. Under the terms of the agreement (the deal, right?), the earliest any country can leave is November 4, 2020.  That’s 3 ½ years from now. (Coincidentally, this is one day after our next presidential election. Hmm, I wonder . . . ) So, the next several years will be busy ones. While Trump and his gang try to dismantle the Clean Air Act, the active participants in the Paris Accord will try to make a more equitable agreement. Readers, trust me, we’re better to be part of a process than to say “impossible.” The Clean Air Act isn’t perfect. But it has started a process of improvement, fewer emissions, less CO2. The Kyoto and Paris Accords aren’t perfect, but they have started a process of focus that we must change if we are going to create a more balanced environment. The CEO’s of many large international companies like UPM, Avery Dennison, Unilever and Amcor get it.

    I trust you do, too.

    Another Letter from the Earth.



    Calvin Frost is chairman of Channeled Resources Group, headquartered in Chicago, the parent company of Maratech International and GMC Coating. His email address is
    cfrost@channeledresources.com.
    Related Searches
    • emissions
    • care
    • coatings
    • waste
    Suggested For You
    Circularity Circularity
    Channeled Resources Group Channeled Resources Group
    Avery Dennison names Gregory Lovins SVP and CFO Avery Dennison names Gregory Lovins SVP and CFO
    Avery Dennison helps converters expand into flexible packaging Avery Dennison helps converters expand into flexible packaging
    2017 DuPont Award for Packaging Innovation Winners 2017 DuPont Award for Packaging Innovation Winners
    Avery Dennison offers Select Solutions Removables Portfolio Avery Dennison offers Select Solutions Removables Portfolio
    Avery Dennison appoints Noel Kasmi in Europe Avery Dennison appoints Noel Kasmi in Europe
    Avery Dennison drives sustainability goals Avery Dennison drives sustainability goals
    Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials
    Learn from the twitterpated Tom Clarke Learn from the twitterpated Tom Clarke
    Ritrama explores state of Latin American label market Ritrama explores state of Latin American label market
    Berlin Packaging wins 2017 PAC Global Leadership Award for Mylanta design Berlin Packaging wins 2017 PAC Global Leadership Award for Mylanta design
    Domino’s Paul Doody passes away Domino’s Paul Doody passes away
    Durable labels take center stage at Avery Dennison event in Ohio Durable labels take center stage at Avery Dennison event in Ohio
    Avery Dennison offers wide range of durable materials Avery Dennison offers wide range of durable materials

    Related Letters From The Earth

    • The age of the conundrum

      ...
      Calvin Frost 01.27.21

    • Circularity

      Circularity

      ...
      Calvin Frost 11.12.20

    • War – Part III

      War – Part III

      ...
      Calvin Frost 10.09.20


    • War – Part II

      ...
      Calvin Frost 09.02.20

    • War – Part One

      War – Part One

      ...
      Calvin Frost 07.10.20

    • Golden opportunity

      Golden opportunity

      ...
      Calvin Frost 06.04.20


    • All roads lead to China

      ...
      Calvin Frost 04.03.20

    • Turning waste into gold

      A new process could potentially change the waste and recycling markets.
      Calvin Frost 03.05.20

    • The asteroid is us

      The asteroid is us

      ...
      Calvin Frost 01.31.20


    • Sacrifice and survival

      Sacrifice and survival

      ...
      Calvin Frost 11.15.19

    • Invasive plants and animals

      ...
      Calvin Frost 10.11.19

    • Palm oil

      ...
      Calvin Frost 09.04.19


    • Evian spelled backward

      ...
      Calvin Frost 07.10.19

    • Chemistry is the culprit

      ...
      Calvin Frost 05.31.19

    • Garbage patch gyres

      ...
      Calvin Frost 04.05.19


    Trending
    • Avery Dennison Ramps Up Security Labeling Efforts
    • Poland's Alu-Lids Purchases First MPS Flexo Press
    • Artex Label Installs Rotoflex DF1 Finishing Machine
    • Domino Details Surge In Variable Data Printing
    • Miraclon Appoints Two To Leadership Team
    Breaking News
    • Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system
    • INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement
    • Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services
    • Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team
    • C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2021

    • Paper Substrates
    • Wine Labels
    • Static Control
    • Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Clinical Trial Finds Metabolic Benefits for Polyphenols Formula
    JRF Technology Debuts Elderberry Oral Film Strip
    Danone Adds to Plant-Based Portfolio with Acquisition of Follow Your Heart Brand
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Hempel Launches Sustainability Framework: Futureproof
    ChemQuest Hires Rich Gibson
    New Increase in Kynar Fluoropolymer Capacities at Arkema's Chinese Site
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Previon, Spectrum Solutions Partner to Deliver At-Home COVID-19 Test
    NTT Research, Japanese Entity to Collaborate on Cardiovascular Disease Interventions
    Global Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Market to Reach $7.5 Billion by 2027
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Cyprium, Sentynl Therapeutics Ink Asset Purchase Agreement
    Pfizer Selects Seven Bridges to Support RNA Sequencing Data
    ACG Launches ACG Laboratories
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Afro Sheen Launches New Brand Initiatives
    Neopac Introduces Lightweight Plastic Tube
    Estée Lauder Companies Increases Investment in Deciem Beauty Group Inc.
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    PBA Opposes House Bill 2325 in West Virginia
    J.R. Watkins Tackles Pain with New Lines
    RB Launches Vanish Miracle
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Lowe-Martin Adds 2 KODAK NEXFINITY Digital Presses
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system
    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement
    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Fiber Bond VE3 Technology Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in HVAC Filtration Systems
    Citizens Provides $325 Million Senior Credit Facility to Nice-Pak
    Ontex Reports Lower Revenues
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    OrthoGrid Releases New Hip Replacement Software
    Nexus Spine Announces Availability of Spine Surgery Implants
    FDA OKs Brainlab's Loop-X Mobile Imaging Robot, Cirq Robotic Alignment Module
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    RFID Locks Market to Reach $9.93 Billion by 2027: Allied Market Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login