Sustainable Resources

Sustainability can seem daunting to PSPs. There is so much involved with “going green”—from government regulations and laws about recycling to the various industry certifications. Where can you get the best information as it applies to your business?

“A great place to start is with the people you speak with every day, your suppliers,” says Jodi Haugen, Director of Marketing, Xcel Products, Inc. (Booth 3235). “Manufacturers and suppliers are addressing sustainability questions and can guide you to the proper solution.”

GRAPH EXPO attendees can gain a tremendous amount of information about sustainability in GREENspace—sponsored by Graphic Design USA—a special section of the tradeshow floor dedicated to sustainability and exhibitors that display eco-friendly products and services.

Domtar (Booth 3135) has resources available for those looking to learn more. For example, Enterprise Group customers can ask their account manager and will be directed to a designated EarthChoice Specialist in their region who can provide guidance and help answer sustainability related questions.

Actega Kelstar Inc. (Booth 2639) offers solutions for reducing volatile organic compounds. These include the development of additives and effect pigments that serve as the basis for VOC-reduced powder coatings, high-solid coatings, and water-based products.

Over the past few years, Anocoil Corporation (Booth 3136) has invested in significant upgrades to its facilities to develop a new generation of environmentally friendly CtP products. Its N-100 Negative Thermal CtP plates provide a “green digital alternative.”

GreenAccess of The Access Group (Booth 2842) allows printers to sell their paper waste directly to the mill, eliminating the middle man and maximizing their return, while also protecting the environment.

Neenah Paper’s (Booth 3237) sustainability commitment is reflected through the Neenah Green initiative, which includes mill-based solutions for minimizing environmental impact. A consumer of Green Energy, Neenah Paper is also a U.S. EPA Green Power Partner and manufactures brands carrying the Green-e, Green Seal, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications.

Industry associations—such as NPES and Printing Industry of America—offer a wealth of information to PSPs about going green.

For example, Printing Industries of America’s (Booth 1648) EHS Department has a focus on green and sustainability, providing information and resources printers need to begin their journey along the sustainable green printing path.

When it comes to “green,” are you talking the talk or walking the walk? For those new to the concept of sustainability, “The Green Guide for Graphic Communications: Growing and Profiting through Sustainability” is a members-only guide that will help you identify green printing practices and assess the strength of your green printing program. For those seeking to build upon an existing sustainability program, it also will give you the tools you need to gain a competitive advantage by marketing your environmental commitment in a way that is credible and compelling.

The SGP Partnership is an industry-specific, voluntary program designed to reduce the environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry. The partnership certifies printers against specific criteria and requires printers to commit to making continuous improvement in the product, process, and envelope areas of the graphic arts industry. Printing Industry of America's EHS staff has the resources and expertise you need to develop the program and policies required to obtain the SGP Certification.

Chain-of-Custody certification is a voluntary certification that ensures the paper you print your customer’s project on is responsibly sourced. Whether you are interested in either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the EHS staff has the resources and expertise you need to develop the proper management system and procedures in order to obtain a chain-of-custody certification.