Sustainability
Sustainability at Imagine is built into our day-to-day operations. Across facilities and teams, we actively identify inefficiencies and challenge existing processes to find better ways of working. We test, iterate, and apply improvements that enhance performance, quality, reliability, and cost control, while reducing environmental impact.
Responsible materials & printing
Responsible Sourcing
Imagine works closely with suppliers and clients to select materials, inks, and printing processes that balance performance, quality, and environmental responsibility. FSC-certified paper is available to support responsible forestry, and Imagine holds Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) Certification across facilities.
Safer Ink Solutions
Vegetable-based and soy inks are used where applicable, reducing reliance on petroleum-based alternatives, and early adoption of low-VOC, food-safe press chemistries has driven the ongoing removal of harmful substances including heavy metals, mineral oils, and PFAS.
Clean Manufacturing
Printing technologies and process controls are designed to minimize VOC off-gassing during production, supporting safer and more environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.
Circular Design
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG) systems are designed with recyclability in mind, with frames made from nearly 100% recycled aluminum and fabric products designed for reuse and recycling. Active research and development continues to replace remaining non-recyclable components with recyclable alternatives.
Waste prevention is the priority
supported by standardized recycling and reuse systems designed to reduce contamination and keep usable materials out of landfill.
Our Recycling Programs
Recycling programs across facilities address paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum printing plates, and plastics and vinyl, where viable markets allow.
Color-coded, multilingual recycling signage and clearly defined waste streams by material type are standard on production floors.
Functional but outdated equipment is donated or given away rather than tossed aside, excess fabric is donated to schools, churches, and international partners, and a full-service recycled-for-you program supports the recycling or reuse of client materials at end of life.
Energy, water & facilities
Imagine invests in facility and equipment upgrades that improve operational efficiency and reduce energy, water, and transportation impacts.
LED lighting conversions have been implemented across facilities, supported by lighting automation and occupancy controls that reduce unnecessary energy use. Equipment upgrades are evaluated for both performance and energy efficiency, and products and packaging are designed to reduce shipping weight, carton size, and overall transportation impacts.
Innovation
& continuous improvement
Sustainability at Imagine is treated as an extension of the same problem-solving mindset that drives operational improvement across the business. Initiatives typically begin when individuals or teams identify a process inefficiency or operational limitation, test alternatives through piloting and iteration, and apply what works across operations.
Solutions are evaluated on performance, quality, and client needs
alongside environmental benefit, which means improvements are durable. Ongoing focus areas include material efficiency, packaging redesign, and process improvements that reduce waste and transportation impacts.
Sustainability leadership at Imagine
is reflected in how teams approach
Operations Materials Decision-making
across the business.
Strong measurement and tracking systems enable data-driven decisions related to waste diversion, materials management, and environmental performance.
Clean printing and materials practices, including low-VOC chemistries and responsible sourcing, are standard. Circular design and reuse-focused approaches emphasize material efficiency, recyclability, and extending product life before recycling.
Consistent on-floor practices, standardized sorting, and employee engagement in prevention efforts ensure these commitments are maintained across all facilities.
These practices support measurable environmental outcomes while maintaining the quality, reliability, and responsiveness Imagine’s clients expect.
Certifications
& recognition
Imagine participates in third-party certifications, audits, and assessments that reinforce environmental responsibility, operational quality, and trust with clients operating in regulated environments.
Environmental and sustainability credentials
FSC Chain of Custody Certification
SGP Certification
CDP reporting participation
EcoVadis
Operational quality
standards
GRACoL G7 Master Printer Certification
ISO 9001 Quality Management
Download Twin Cities Certificate
Download Charolette Certificate
Lean Manufacturing practices
Documented, Tested Disaster Recovery
Security and compliance
credentials
ISO 27001 Information Security
SOC 2 Compliance
PCI-DSS Compliance
HIPAA-HITECH Compliance
Industry audits and
recognition
AIB Certification
Local air quality awards (Charlotte facility)
FDA audits
International Labor Laws Audits
Trusted Partner Network (TPN)
Certified Member status
Measuring our environmental footprint
Imagine tracks greenhouse gas emissions to support customer reporting requirements, internal performance monitoring, and alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Emissions data supports supplier disclosure expectations associated with CDP reporting and client sustainability programs.
2024
Imagine reported direct on-site emissions
Scope 1
1,529 metric tons CO2 equivalent, purchased electricity emissions
Scope 2
7,771 metric tons CO2 equivalent, and value chain emissions
Scope 3
15,579 metric tons CO2 equivalent across selected categories
Scope 3 categories are reviewed and refined over time as data availability and customer expectations evolve. This data is used to support supplier disclosures and sustainability questionnaires, respond to customer sustainability information requests, and track performance over time as Imagine continues to identify improvement opportunities.
FAQs
Want to learn more about Imagine? You’re in the right spot. Find answers to the most common questions about our capabilities, process, and services.
Imagine incorporates sustainable printing practices across its operations, including low-VOC chemistries, vegetable- and soy-based inks, and process controls that reduce emissions during production. These practices help minimize environmental impact while maintaining high production quality.
Imagine holds key environmental and operational certifications, including FSC Chain of Custody and Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) Certification. These credentials demonstrate responsible sourcing, environmentally conscious manufacturing, and adherence to recognized industry standards.
Imagine prioritizes waste prevention through recycling and reuse programs across facilities, covering materials like paper, plastics, aluminum plates, and corrugated cardboard. Standardized processes and tracking systems help achieve strong waste diversion while keeping usable materials out of landfills.
Imagine tracks greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and selected Scope 3 categories in alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This data supports client sustainability reporting, supplier disclosures, and continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
Sustainability initiatives at Imagine often start as efficiency improvements—reducing material usage, optimizing packaging, and minimizing waste. These changes can lower production, shipping, and inventory costs while improving operational performance, making sustainability a driver of both environmental and financial value.
No. Imagine evaluates sustainable materials against the same performance, quality, and reliability standards as traditional options. Materials are selected to meet or exceed functional requirements, ensuring brands don’t have to compromise quality to meet sustainability goals.
By focusing on waste prevention and material efficiency, Imagine helps reduce excess inventory, overproduction, and landfill waste. Standardized recycling and reuse systems, along with process improvements, contribute to more efficient workflows and better resource utilization.
Yes. Material selection, packaging design, and right-sizing initiatives can significantly reduce shipping weight and carton size. These improvements help lower transportation costs while also reducing carbon emissions across the supply chain.
Imagine approaches sustainability as part of operational excellence—evaluating solutions based on performance, cost, quality, and environmental impact. This ensures that sustainability initiatives are practical, scalable, and aligned with business outcomes, not just environmental targets.