Success Story: Demonstration of P2 Results Utilizing Lowest Practical Achievable Level (LPAL) at Mead's School and Office Products Facilities, 1999 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Steven B. Smith & David M. Bryer

Mead Corporation

The Mead Corporation is committed to protecting the environment. One method of accomplishing this is by focusing on pollution prevention as a part of the total productivity improvement process. The School and Office Products Division has adopted Mead’s philosophy, resulting in the implementation of the Lowest Practical Achievable Level (LPAL) with regard to the reduction of VOC’s, HAP’s and hazardous waste. The operations incorporate the LPAL philosophy by practicing raw material selection, equipment design and sensible best management practices. This allows for pollution prevention and improvement in cost effectiveness of operations.

In looking at the two largest operations in the Division, a five-year tracking of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) demonstrates continuous decreases totaling 50-60%. Although initial emissions rates were well within compliance limits, voluntary reductions/P2 continue to occur, consistent with the LPAL philosophy, resulting in the reduction of VOC’s, HAP’s and hazardous waste. These reductions have occurred concurrently with modernization, production increases and new equipment installation. Implementation of the LPAL has resulted in successful P2 that has been economically justified.