Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517535
M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 4 | P E R S P E C T I V E 9 C. STORAGE FOR PREPRINTED WALLCOVERINGS AT ASTEK. D. CARPET MATERIAL USED FOR PRINTING. FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GREEN COMMITTEE, SCAN THE CODE, TAKE A SHORT SURVEY, GET IN TOUCH. During our visit, we sat down with Erik Dell (technical director) and shared not only information on what the company has been doing toward sustainability, but also went over some materials found by Todd Moore of Universal Sign Shop (a member of IATSE 729 and Master in Environmental Policy/Management). Some of the more green-related topics discussed involved how the Wall Paper Association previously determined all papers to be "sustainable" simply due to their extremely long life span (therefore, no reason to discuss recycling or re-using, for instance), but now as regulations change, the act of manufacturing itself is moving toward a more sustainable creation of the actual product. We also discussed how it's really the custom side of things that generate the most waste through the use of toxic materials, i.e., non-biodegradable plastics, toxic inks, off-gassing of thermoplastics (TPOs), a popular replacement for Sintra but still less toxic than PVC, and fall-off waste. At present, it's difficult to find entirely green solutions to some of these favored materials and so the discussion turns to life cycle and re-use, which is not always ideal but at least better than old-school PVC products. For example, there is now a balsa product coming online that could replace PVCs but is expensive, not as durable, and has a carbon footprint due to shipping; which is so true of many new products we get excited about but, there always seems to be a trade-off. Katz Board from Germany (https://www.katzdisplayboard .com/) was mentioned, which is a heavily pressed paper, 5 mil at 4x8 sheets, which would be a good alternative but then we have the task of encouraging companies to set up in America, otherwise, they are still off limits to us. This conundrum is the driving force behind the Green Committee's goal of creating a sustainable materials directory and library which is local to various cities where film production is an economic force. We are on the lookout for replacement materials which are easily accessible and not cost prohibitive specific to the particular necessity of filmmaking. Astek does keep a stock of material ready to go (they try to buy direct from manufacturers) and are trying to increase their responsibility to the planet by exploring more sustainable alternatives like Packrites's Aqua Fluted Board (https: www .wemakeflutedboards.com/aquarite) and Dispa (https://wallaceprint.com/print-materials/ dispa-board/) among others. We asked what the most popular product used by Astek was, and the answer was Monadnoc Paper products from the East Coast, which is already 60% post-consumer paper for things like temporary installations, and the second most popular are the PVC products like Sintra. Some other products being discussed are Nina adhesive back and re-positionable papers, Omni papers, DCM, Avery products (PVC-free), luan replacement materials and bio-paints. Astek continues to innovate and we are proud to partner with them toward our common goal of advancing sustainability awareness in the film industry. If you are interested, contact Astek: astekwallcovering.com or 818 901 9876 @astekinc Aaron or Eric. If you are an IATSE 800 member interested in joining the ADG Green Committee, please contact the Co-chairs (Amelia Brooke, Jake Tremblay, Kelsey Garrett and Paula Loos (Netherlands) at ADG800green@gmail.com. D C