For its Publisac (Adbag), Transcontinental chose the biodegradable plastic bag certified by Environmental Products Inc. (EPI).

This type of plastic is designed to break down and totally decompose 90 to 120 days after it is placed in landfill, or to biodegrade within 12 to 24 months. Publisac, which is already reusable and recyclable, is now also biodegradable. This effort to protect the environment helps the company continue to meet the diverse needs of its advertisers. As a partner who listens to its clients, Transcontinental is well aware that for them, Publisac is very important in how they communicate with their target audiences; by the same token, it is very important for the Corporation to know that it can meet their needs in a more ecological way.

Transcontinental chose an oxo-biodegradable technology known as TDPA™ (Totally Degradable Plastic Additives™) developed by EPI, a Vancouver-based firm that is considered a pioneer in innovative environmental technologies. The company that manufactures the Publisac receives the plastic additives and adds them to its manufacturing process, making the plastic biodegradable.

The official Day “1” for distribution of the new Publisac was the same day as Transcontinental’s annual shareholders’ meeting: February 20, 2008. This date is no accident. It is the day François Olivier took over as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcontinental Inc. It is one of Mr. Olivier’s priorities to promote sustainable development and protection of the environment as part of Transcontinental’s daily activities.

“Publisac plays a key role in Transcontinental’s environmental efforts. We wanted to be sure that when we added biodegradability to our already reusable and recyclable bag, the choice would be the best one environmentally. We invested responsibly, and without compromise, in the research and manufacturing required to make sure the bags meet our expectations.”

— Gilles Lagarde, Vice President and General Manager of the Distribution Group, Transcontinental Media

For information:
Publisac 514 337-6920

On February 21, 2007, Canadian magazine PrintAction awarded Transcontinental a bronze in the “Most Progressive Environmental Process” category at its Environmental Printing Awards. Here’s why.

In 2005, Transcontinental introduced a program in all of its plants across Canada to replace the solvents used to clean the presses. The company conducted a thorough review of all its volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and decided to replace them with a product that was almost totally VOC-free. VOCs contribute to air pollution and smog.

This is another great example of Transcontinental’s Environmental Plan at work. The Corporation has promised to take action and it continues to do so every day.

The cost of the operation — $16,000 for research, tests, salaries, etc. — is very little considering the positive impact it has on the environment.