Rock The Green: Big Systems

This article is part of a series of interviews with companies supporting the Rock the Green sustainability festival.

Welcome to the second of our interviews with companies that are supporting the upcoming Rock the Green sustainability festival in Milwaukee on September 17. We’re asking companies to talk about their own sustainability stories, as well as to explain why they’re supporting the event — one of the most sustainable festivals around.

This time we chatted with Joe Jones, president of Big Systems, a reseller of wide-format and 3-D printers, who donated the signage and banners for Rock The Green.

Q: What’s your company’s definition of sustainability, and why is it important to you?

A: Big Systems’ sustainability mission is to work with our clients to create vibrant brand images, markings and signage tactics that minimize the impact on the environment via recycling initiatives and the use of non hazardous media / sign and ink materials.

Q: What are the most important sustainability issues your company deals with?

A: Lowering the carbon footprint and utilizing low emitting (VOC) materials.

Q: Sustainable thinking is no longer just a “nice to have.” It’s increasingly seen as a competitive advantage. Tell us how sustainable thinking is helping move your company forward.

A: By partnering with HP, Inc. to utilize HP Latex print technologies that use water-based inks and recyclable print materials.

Q: Rock the Green, the concert, is all about going for zero waste. How has your company reduced waste across your operations? Has it paid off for you financially?

A: We have changed our product mix to add new products with a lower carbon footprint. We first partnered with RTG in 2011. Since that time HP Latex equipment, matched print medias and inks have become are largest sellers in terms of an integrated print solution. Our business partner, HP, is very proud to have assisted with RTG.

Q: Surveys show that employees are happier and more productive when they’re engaged with a company’s sustainability strategies. How do you engage your staff to implement your sustainability plans?

A: We discuss our sustainability plans via monthly meetings and during new product reviews with our suppliers. We have received excellent sustainability guidance and collaboration with HP. Our employees also volunteered at the last RTG event.

Q: In a nutshell, how will you be “rocking the green” in the coming five years?

A: Through the growth of environmentally-friendly print and rapid prototyping technologies and future participation in RTG!