Newsletter
Issue No. 222 August 15, 2008

Bindery
Folding
- Miniature to Map
- Closed Gate
Presentation Folder Gluing
Stitching
- 10 pockets
- Loop Stitching
Trimming
Rotary Perf & Score
Gathering & Collating
Perfect Binding
Wire-O™
Plastic Spiral
- Autospin 30mm elements
- 2.5:1 Oval Hole Pattern
Transfer Tape
Drilling
Round Cornering
Shrink Wrapping
Eyeletting
Film Laminating

Tabbing
Custom Index Tabs
Copier Tabs
Tab Reinforcing
Spine Reinforcing
Patch Edge Reinforcing
5 Hole Drilling

Finishing
Autoplaten Diecutting
Diecutting to 41"
Scoring & Perfing
Embossing
Foiling
Numbering

1. Sustainable Binding. An inquisitive customer recently asked me to suggest ways to bind a particular project using the most sustainable solution. The request prompted me to take a hard look at so-called ‘green’ binding options. Taking into account function vs. appearance vs. green features vs. cost, there are tradeoffs for each method. In case you have clients asking similar questions, here’s a synopsis: “Generally, saddle-stitched books are the easiest to recycle because the amount of metal used is minimal and it is easily separated from the paper in the recycling process. Perfect bound books have glue that degrades the recyclability of the rest of the book, but they are still recyclable. Wire elements are somewhat like stitches except there is more metal content, therefore it’s harder for the mills to process. Plastic coil is generally thought to be the least green since the plastic is difficult and costly to remove and, thus, not readily recyclable.” Here’s a link to Spiral Binding Company’s page that lists some of their “green” binding products. Click here

2. Fraud Protection. A recent study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed that small businesses are especially vulnerable to fraud. In a two-month period, between January and February 2008, the median loss to small firms was $200,000, a figure higher than the median loss in any other category, including the largest organizations. Compiling data from 959 cases of occupational fraud, the report found that the typical fraud lasted two years from the time it began until it was caught by the victim organization. According to the report, “the most common fraud scheme for businesses of all sizes was corruption, which occurred in 27 percent of all cases. Fraudulent billing schemes happened in 24 percent of the cases. Financial statement fraud was the most costly category with a median loss of $2 million.” For the Report, which includes internal controls for combating fraud, paste this link into your web browser: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/small-business/

3. Delivery Charges Stay in the Past. We mentioned in our newsletter #214 that we were considering reinstating the delivery charge from years ago. We had some good feedback with some readers understanding the need for this charge and some adamantly opposing it. We never followed up with a conclusion and recently found that some of our customers mistakenly think we enacted this change. We did not. We decided that the implementation costs and the customer inconvenience did not support the delivery charge, so we abandoned the idea. To be clear, we still offer free pick up and delivery from Fife to Lynnwood. Sorry for creating confusion.

4. To Your Health. This may not be bindery related, or wait, maybe it is? Turns out that cuppa joe ain’t so bad for us after all. The New York Times recently ran a piece that pretty much debunks all the myths about coffee being bad for you. Since I am on my fourth latte-making home machine—I’m currently using a Saeco Incanto—I have some interest in this one. According to accumulated research, coffee doesn’t make you run to the restroom more often (non-diuretic), it doesn’t increase risk of heart disease or cancer, doesn’t promote hypertension, doesn’t contribute to bone loss, and it doesn’t (unfortunately) help with weight loss. Phew, now I don’t have to sneak my lattes anymore. In fact, I’ll buy a grande, non-fat, light vanilla latte for anyone who’d like to test these coffee-is-good-for-you theories along with a chat about bindery (there’s the bindery connection). Just give a call.  Click here for the Times article.

For past issues, please visit our website at
www.seattlebindery.com

email at miltvine@seattlebindery.com
6540 South Glacier Street, Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98188
Phone 425-656-8210
Fax 425-656-4400

Seattle Bindery Offers free pick up and delivery from Fife to Lynnwood.