05/30/2007

Envelopes' environmental health and sustainability recognized

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Courier envelopes manufactured by a Sioux Falls company for the U.S. Postal Service have been certified for meeting environmental health and sustainability standards.

The more than 200 million envelopes produced by Bell Inc. have received "Cradle to Cradle" certification by MBDC, a design firm founded in 1995 to promote and implement eco-effective design.

To achieve the certification, suppliers contributing raw materials, ink, tape, tear string and adhesive had to go through a series of measurements and assessments.

"We have been working toward sustainable manufacturing at Bell for many years, and our suppliers have been involved in that process with us," Ben Graham, the company's vice president of finance, sales and supply chain, said in a release. "But it was still a long and challenging process requiring the cooperation and commitment from every supplier, looking at every nook and cranny of our supply chain."

The envelopes, which can be used for both domestic and international shipments, entered circulation at the beginning of May.

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