EnvironmentalUpdate<br>Avery Dennison Maintains Environmental Compliance Using Outsourced Program
Companies, large and small alike, face significant regulatory requirements they must comply with to operate their facilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulatory agencies monitor this compliance through facilities' self-reporting requirements and periodic agency plant inspections or audits. In difficult economic times like these, companies are looking to maximize performance and cost efficiencies while still being compliant in all areas. Known as "lean manufacturing," this typically involves increasing machine efficiencies while potentially reducing labor, as well.
Such was the situation with label-making giant, Avery Dennison. Tough business conditions and the implementation of process changes to remain competitive in the industry resulted in significant changes in operations. A couple of years ago, the Avery Dennison facility in Quakertown, Pa., was going through just this type of restructuring process. According to Monica Hammer, Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) manager, Environmental Affairs for the Fasson Roll North America Division of the company, "The facility had experienced a change in the business mission that resulted in a downsizing of operations and employees. Due to the uncertain status, the site EH&S professional left the company, which ultimately created a gap in the EH&S process."