PRODUCTS
Product Packaging
Chroma’s paints are packaged in HDPE (high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and PS (polystryene) plastic tubes or bottles, which are commonly recycled in many communities. Some PP (polypropylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) containers are also used and our caps are made from PP. These are not often recycled, but we encourage consumers to check with their local recycling center for information on what types of plastic can be recycled in their area. No PC (polycarbonate or polylactide) bottles, which are difficult to recycle, are used in the manufacturing of Chroma products. For packing and shipping, cardboard made from 50%-95% post-consumer recycled content is used. This cardboard can be recycled in many neighborhoods. 100% of internal cardboard waste that is generated during the daily operation of the business is sent out to be recycled.
Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO)
What is it?
Chroma Pty Ltd. are signatories to the Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO) which oversees the guidelines for sustainable packaging, we have an Action Plan to report against every year.
ABOUT APCO
APCO is a co-regulatory, not for profit organisation that partners with government and industry to reduce the harmful impact of packaging on the Australian environment. APCO promotes sustainable design and recycling initiatives, waste to landfill reduction activities and circular economy projects. APCO annual reporting is a key Membership activity, providing Member organisations with a transparent method to track their packaging sustainability performance. Annual reporting also supplies
APCO with valuable data and information to identify industry trends and advancements.
Access the complete report here.
Product Safety Testing
Equally as important to protecting the environment is protecting the people who use our products. Chroma products undergo extensive toxicological evaluation and testing to be granted the right to bear the certification seals of the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). ACMI works in conjunction with a consulting team of toxicologists at Duke University Medical Center who review the complete formulas, packaging and labels of products. The toxicologist requires cautionary labeling on products when appropriate. All products certified as non-toxic by ACMI are non-toxic for both children and adults because the evaluation is based on the use and misuse (such as ingesting a material) of the product by a small child.
The AP (Approved Product) Seal identifies art materials that are safe and certified by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause any acute or chronic health problems.
The CL (Cautionary Label) Seal certifies that a product is properly labeled for any known health risks with information provided on the safe and proper use of the product.
All products are certified by ACMI to be labeled in accordance with the Chronic Hazard Labeling Standard, ASTM D 4236 and the US Label of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA). ACMI also tests lead levels in products to make sure that they meet the requirements set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Act. A review of each product is required by ACMI every 5 years.
For sale in the state of California, all products must meet labeling requirements as stipulated under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known as Proposition 65. Prop 65 requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals in the products that they purchase. By providing this information, Prop 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals. All Chroma products meet the requirements of California’s Prop 65 initiative.
OPERATIONS
Ecosystem
Every attempt is made to protect the ecosystem of the land and community surrounding Chroma’s manufacturing facility through proper waste disposal methods, recycling programs and procedures that reduce our carbon footprint.
Chroma complies with all laws of US federal, state and local agencies including laws relating to employment, discrimination, environmental and health and safety. We seek to do business with customers who share our commitment to the environment, health and safety and social responsibility.
Continual assessment of environmental and safety procedures and programs, as well as monitoring of progress in achieving our long-term goals and visions is a top priority.
Handling of Chemicals
Safety procedures are in place to handle chemical spills, and we are proud to report that we have not had a spill since 2008. All hazardous materials are listed on file with the proper local emergency responders. Material Safety Data Sheets are maintained and accessible at all times for every pigment and chemical used in our manufacturing process.
Lab Safety
Chroma believes it is prudent to minimize all chemical exposures. Improving the health and safety of employees and the public by providing guidance regarding the safe handling of chemicals that are present in the laboratory is our goal. Chemical standard operating procedures are followed by our laboratory workers, and others entering the lab areas are also briefed on these procedures.
Chroma provides a safe work environment with effective programs and initiatives in place to prevent accidents and injury and to minimize exposure to health risks. Every employee assumes responsibility for following proper procedures. The well being of our company, our workers and the environment that we impact depends on all employees working together to keep safety, health, and environmental awareness an important part of all of our daily activities.
Energy
Our electric energy provider, Liberty Power, uses 100% renewable resources such as solar, wind or hydroelectric – no coal or natural gas produced by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Liberty Power is a large supplier of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to major corporations and other companies across the country. RECs represent the environmental attributes of the power produced from renewable energy projects and are sold separately from commodity electricity.
Choosing clean, green energy through purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) encourages the growth of eco-friendly power production businesses and helps support further development of renewable energy technologies.
The potential expansion of the green energy market is enormous as is the potential for providing thousands of green jobs. An added benefit is increased energy independence, which could lead to greater economic and social security.
Our Long Term Vision
With an eye on the future and long-term sustainability, our vision is to implement the following green goals by 2017:
- Using 100% recycled labels, printed with soy based inks
- Increase our use of recycled cardboard to 70% post consumer waste
- Increase our use of PLA bottles by 20%
- Reduce our water and waste production by 20%
- Designing products that consumers enjoy while reducing the impact that those products have on the environment.
Anyone with questions regarding Chroma’s commitment to the environment or the health and safety of the products being manufactured, please contact Mr. Jody Hirneisen via email at jhirneisen@chromaonline.com
