Put Recycling to Work in Your Minilab

Dateline - 1989: Having just survived the recession of the mid-80's and now facing a doubling in price of trash pickup and disposal, University Camera in Iowa City, Iowa makes the decision to begin a recycling program.

Dateline - 1995: The program has not only reduced the solid waste volume to the local landfill, but in addition, has saved the company about $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 a year in waste hauling costs and other related expenses.

Much of the credit for the success of this recycling story can be attributed to the imagination and efforts of University Camera's President, Roger Christian. Christian and his employees began the program by identifying the nature of the waste generated and the possible methods for recycling these materials. Certain materials such as tape, mixed products and some plastics were not recyclable. The other items -- metal film cassette parts, chemical bottles, glass, cardboard, office paper, newspaper, catalogs, magazines, paper cores, Styrofoam peanuts and plastic bags -- were disposed of through a variety of local recycling and non-recycling businesses. In addition, they use the recycling services offered by suppliers for recycling plastic film cans, polystyrene film cores, single use cameras and other items. All other items from this fairly large minilab/camera store operation are taken home and sent out with standard city pickup. These efforts produced a substantial cost savings for the company.

The program has also produced a number of unexpected benefits. The publicity from their efforts has been a true boost to the business, and has had a positive effect on their customers and employees alike. They have participated in a number of projects conducted by students interested in small businesses and recycling. In 1993, the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce recognized their efforts by awarding University Camera the small business Environmental Enhancement Award. This alone was responsible for generating a great deal of free publicity and customer interest.

Source: Roger Christian, PMA Trade Show News, Envision Compliance

Greensense Corner

3M as a corporate leader in environmental citizenship, is concerned about the environmental impact of the products we manufacture. It is important to us, as well as to the environment, that those of our products which can be recycled are recycled. Single Use Cameras are one of those products. Help preserve our environment by returning to us the cameras you receive for processing. Please send only 3M cameras, for we do not know what materials other manufacturers use, just as they do not know what type materials we use. We will refund all freight charges and packing material costs along with $.05 for each camera you return to us for recycling. A minimum of only 50 cameras per shipment is required. It's a great incentive for doing your part for the environment. Enclosed is an updated form and instructions for recycling 3M Single Use Cameras. If you have any questions or comments related to our recycling program, call us at 800/233-8579.

Scotchgard™ Film Protector Mini Coater

Provides Opportunities to Labs Who Wish to Offer Customers Value Added Products

With Scotchgard film and photo protectors, photofinishers can provide their customers added value by helping to better preserve their valuable memories. Scotchgard film protector, a clear and flexible coating, helps protect negatives and slide films against scratches, chemicals, dirt, stains, fingerprints and static electricity. Spills on negatives and slide films protected with Scotchgard wipe clean with a damp cloth; grease and felt-tip pen marks clean up with no signs of damage.

The Scotchgard film protector mini coater, specifically designed for small professional and minilabs, can be used to apply the film protector to negative and slide films. The mini coater takes up only 4 square feet of space and offers adjustable height for easy access by all employees.

It's also easy to use: Load the film, push a button and walk away. It can accommodate 12 to 36 exposure single rolls of 35mm, 110, 120 and 220 film. The mini coater is both quiet and fast; a 24-exposure roll takes about a minute to coat.

For only a few cents a roll photofinishers can offer their customers film protection that will not crack, fade or yellow. It will also furnish the lab with a cost-effective competitive advantage in today's marketplace. For more information on the complete line of Scotchgard Film and Photo Protector products and equipment, call 612/733-6470.

3M Photo Color Systems Division Wins Bi-Mart Award

The Bi-Mart Company recently named 3M Photo Color Systems Division as its 1995 Vendor of the Year for the Photo-Sound Department. This award recognizes the dedication of 3M Photo Color Systems to providing quality service to its customers. Bi-Mart is a regional discount chain based in Eugene, Oregon. We appreciate Bi-Mart's recognition of our efforts as a customer focused supplier and we applaud their efforts which make this mutually beneficial partnership possible.

Have a question or need help? Call our Technical Service Helpline at: 1-800-233-8569

Publisher: 3M Photo Color Systems Division Writer/Editor: Alan Pollock. Design/Layout: Paul Deák Design. 3M LabLine is published quarterly for photo finishing laboratories in the United States and Canada. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Write us at 3M LabLine, 3M Center Bldg. 235-3C-23, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, or call us at 1-800-233-8579.

"Scotch" is a registered trademark of 3M.

Litho in U.S.A. with 3M film, proofing systems and offset plates.

3M Photo Color Systems Division

3M Center, Building 235-3C-23

St. Paul, MN 55144-1000