It is important to remember the genesis of this program. It was developed through a facilitated stakeholder process that included representatives from not only trade associations, but the environmental community, state and federal environmental regulatory agencies, suppliers, as well as printers that represented all print processes. When launched, it was a separate organization and independently staffed. The key to the SGP program is credibility and transparency, both in the development and operation of the program. 

 

SGP is achieving its goal of creating a level playing field. Its independently audited certification program is accessible and increasingly recognized with support from a growing number of Corporate Patrons from across the Print & Graphics Communications industries. During a recent SGP Press Event, Stephen Goddard, who manages the Environmental Leadership Program in the Graphics Solutions Business at HP, explained how HP has a long track record of supporting credible, independent environmental standards, such as the SGP Partnership. Companies such as HP, Durst, DuPont and others have stepped up to actively engage with the Partnership Program. SGP provides graphic communication vendors an opportunity to share its sustainability commitment and news of environmental innovations with the SGP community. 

 

With 23 certified printers, and at least five more on the way, SGP is pushing the envelope in terms of innovation on the part of the printing industry. SGP encourages printing facilities to take a holistic approach to sustainability by choosing projects that will reduce their overall impact on the environment. 

 

Paul Lilienthal, President of Pictura Graphics, Minneapolis, has integrated sustainability throughout his operation, and subsequently into the supply chain of his customer base. Pictura portrays the value of SGP certification as a holistic, third-party certification that promotes environmental stewardship and innovation, which is at the core of Picturas’ corporate philosophy. Continuous improvement spurs Pictura to seek more sustainable options for its customers as a “value added” feature in its product line. The company tracks key metrics to ensure its operations are sustainable. All requirements under the SGP Partnership Program, but now key elements in Pictura’s day to day operations.

 

A key component of the SGP Program is the adoption of a continuous improvement project. Modernistic, Stillwater, Minn., chose to focus on energy-related issues. Its sustainability project involved replacing light fixtures, which had a huge return on investment (ROI) for the company.

 

Another key element involves the communication of the company’s sustainability policy, not only to their employees but to customers and suppliers. Modernistic encourages open communication with e-mail and suggestion boards for associates to voice their ideas about how to improve sustainable business practices in the workplace. They also perform internal audits and post the results so employees can see how well everyone is doing. Regarding customers, the company communicates through its website and with an electronic newsletter. 

 

Stella Color, Seattle, Wash., opted to implement a series of projects designed to reduce their environmental footprint as well as improve the quality of life in the workplace rather than choosing just one improvement process. Introduction of an energy efficient air compressor provides for a quieter work environment as well as improved air handling. Additionally, the discontinuation of the use of high-solvent printing operations has improved the facility’s indoor air quality. Coupled with additional recycling capacity, Stella Color is on its way to a smaller footprint.

 

Outside of the facility, Stella Color has implemented a continuous improvement project that focuses on community participation. It has sponsored an educational event at its facility, which brought end users and suppliers together to share information about sustainability and the environmental aspects of their business. 

 

The mission of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership remains one of encouraging and promoting participation in the worldwide movement to reduce environmental impacts and increase social responsibility of the Print and Graphic Communications industry through sustainable and “green” printing practices. The snapshots provided of these certified printers illustrate this principle. And, as an organization, we realize that we need to change and grow.

 

Currently, SGP provides a service. It is a transactional organization. To truly set the standard for the printing and graphic communications industry, SGP needs to become an experience and transformational business. Over the next several months, the SGP Partnership plans to launch initiatives designed to engage the industry in the sustainability journey by providing the community for thought leaders to congregate. We are starting to see this happen. Organizations such as Unisource and Canopy Planet have established alliances with SGP. These alliances speak to the recognition as a credible third party certification program. And, we believe more will follow the example set by these organizations.

 

We are beginning to see corporations that support the industry recognize SGP as the platform from which their sustainability message can be preached. And, printing companies realize the value of certification and the impact it can have in discussions with their customers. SGP stands poised and ready to set the standard for sustainability in our industry sector.