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Innovative marker recycling program, smaller packaging and energy/waste-reduction measures highlight company’s focus on environmental impact

In an effort to reduce its environmental impact, minimize waste and lead the paintball industry in “Green� programs, Tippmann has rolled out three new environmentally-focused initiatives. First, the company is introducing an innovative marker recycling program that will allow players to recycle their unused or unwanted Tippmann paintball markers. Second, the company recently reduced the packaging size for its 98 Custom Basic by 57 percent and its X7 Basic by more than 35 percent – a move that conserves valuable resources and reduces transportation costs while also offering paintball retailers additional shelf and warehouse space. And third, Tippmann has launched aggressive recycling and energy-reduction initiatives at its administrative and manufacturing facilities to significantly reduce the company’s energy consumption and waste.

“Tippmann has always been conscious about using environmentally-friendly materials – that’s why Tippmann markers are 99 percent recyclable. While Tippmann markers are widely known for their unmatched durability and seem to last forever, we also wanted to give players an opportunity to dispose of their unused or unwanted markers in an environmentally-friendly manner,� said Howard Kosick, President and CEO of Tippmann Sports. “While I’m sure many players find it hard to imagine a Tippmann marker not lasting a lifetime, with millions of markers sold and being passed down, traded-in or put in the basement – we’re confident there are players who will want to help the environment by recycling their old Tippmann marker.�

There are three easy ways for consumers to recycle their Tippmann marker. One, for consumers who want to do it themselves, there is a new section on the Tippmann website that shows schematics of current Tippmann markers. Consumers can disassemble their marker and separate the parts into clearly-identified groups that can then be taken to appropriate recycling centers for disposal. Two, consumers can simply call Tippmann and arrange shipment of the marker to Tippmann, at no cost, and the company will handle proper disposal. Or, three, consumers can return the marker to any paintball dealer and the dealer can call Tippmann to arrange for shipping back to the company.

On the packaging side, reductions have already started with the 98 and X7 Basic models and will be extended to all Tippmann markers over the next several months. In addition to a reduction in size, more environmentally-friendly materials are being utilized. “We felt it was important to take a step back and examine our packaging from an environmental perspective,� said Ron Goldblatt, Director of Marketing for Tippmann. “We asked a lot of questions – how can we package our products differently? What materials could we be utilizing that are easier to recycle? It was a rewarding process – and it’s great to see these changes being implemented, which will benefit the environment as well as our loyal customers.�

Finally, Tippmann has launched several “Green� programs at its Fort Wayne, Indiana headquarters and manufacturing facility. A major cardboard and metals recycling program has been implemented as well as an energy reduction program that includes automatic shut-off lights or timed heat/cooling controls in most offices. In its manufacturing facility, there is a significant reduction in air pressure testing systems to save energy without affecting operation requirements. Plus, motion-activated lights have been installed in the company’s warehouse and assembly areas. To help minimize waste, a special disposal area has also been established to ensure all paper, cardboard, parts and components are sorted for recycling whenever possible. In addition, there is an initiative in place to reduce paper usage by switching to electronic storage of most daily and monthly business transactions.

“Over the past several years, we’ve taken a hard look at ways to help minimize our environmental impact as a company – and we believe these new programs are a big step in the right direction,� Kosick added. “But, there’s always room for improvement. We’ll certainly continue to push ourselves in this regard and we also hope that others in the paintball industry will adopt similar programs in the months and years ahead.�

For additional details about the Tippmann Green Initiative, please visit tippmann.com. Or, for more information about the marker return process, please call 1-800-533-4831.

For more than 20 years, Tippmann Sports has been dedicated to quality manufacturing and the pursuit of cutting-edge technology and design. The company serves the paintball industry from its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tippmann Sports’ complete line of paintball markers and related accessories can be found at paintball stores and fields as well as mass retail and sporting goods outlets throughout the world.