February 2001 - Patel Printing Plus, in Union, New Jersey, specializes in offset printing, thermography, and graphic design.  Sharon Patel, owner of the company, explains that their priorities as a printing company are "exceptional customer service and a comfortable working environment that is reflective of the image they strive to project:  professional, creative, environmentally conscientious, and competent."

Patel has always been especially conscious of the details at her shop.  We're concerned about "what the reception area looks like.  What does it sound like?  And what does it smell like?"

Like many other printers, her sense of smell had been dulled by the continuous use of chemicals in the printing process.  Not realizing just how bad the problem had gotten, Patel was particularly bothered when clients would come in and ask how they could stand to smell those odors all day long.

Patel has always been concerned about her health and the health of her employees.  "Because there are chemicals involved in the printing process, we wanted to be certain we were not creating a unhealthy environment for our employees," said Patel.  She was also concerned about the impression that print shop odors had on visitors and customers.

"We purchased a CAP and saw and smelled an immediate difference.  The air actually smelled fresh and clean."  She placed the CAP near their presses and their pressman, who for years had suffered with multiple allergy problems.  Patel even notes that his allergies have subsided.  "Our employees appreciate our concern for a clean and healthy working environment."  Many visitors even mention that their facility doesn't "smell" like a print shop.

Interestingly, Patel also notes that they no longer have to open doors and windows to exchange the air in the shop.  "I can't put an actual figure to the amount of money we are saving by not losing energy to the outside, but it is probably considerable."

Patel gives the CAP glowing kudos.  "The CAP has exceeded our expectations.  I feel confident that we've created a healthy working environment for our employees.  By the way, I believe that the investment in the CAP also created a lot of goodwill.  Our staff appreciates our efforts to ensure safety in the workplace and knows that it's a priority for us."

The CAP™ Clean Air Plant is designed by sgblue, inc.  The company develops and markets innovative biotechnical solutions for air and water pollution for the commercial and small industrial markets.  For more information contact sgblue, inc. at 229 Airport Road, Suite 7-101 Arden, NC 28704 p: 877-219-7111; Email: awsi@cleanairplant.com; Website: www.cleanairplant.com.