“We recognize that what’s good for the environment can also be good for business,” states Jean Sweeney, Vice President of 3M’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Operations. “Our sustainability efforts are focused both on reducing our environmental footprint and growing 3M through the creation of products that help our customers address their sustainability challenges.”

“I am pleased to provide support to SGP at the Platinum Patron level,” comments Bob Doughty, Vice President and General Manager, 3M Commercial Graphics Division. “This investment is well-aligned with our long-standing commitment to sustainability and with our reputation for providing the industry with the best and most innovative large format graphic products. SGP helps provide a framework for sustainable innovations to our industry that benefits 3M and our customers.”

“Adding 3M to the SGP community sends a strong message that sustainability is now the norm for the graphic communications industry,” states Marci Kinter, SGP Chairman of the Board. “And the support of innovative industry leaders like 3M helps to secure SGP’s role in the sustainability framework for our industry sector. We look forward to working with 3M, and to their participation in the future development of the SGP program.”

Three Strategic Principles

3M’s sustainability work is guided by three strategic principles: economic success, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The company builds lasting customer relations by developing differentiated, practical, and ingenious solutions to sustainability challenges. 3M uses life-cycle management tools to evaluate a product’s environmental impact prior to product launch, and it continuously improves on products and processes through both innovation and Six Sigma principles. Its employees engage in dialogue about sustainability and take action to improve the company’s performance.  

Environmentally Preferred

3M Commercial Graphics has many highly durable and flexible UV-curable inkjet inks that have low VOC content. It offers non-PVC film options in its intermediate and premium product lines. The company also concentrates on environmentally preferred packaging, including a boxless packaging initiative (which reduces packaging waste such as boxes and endplugs) and a recycled resin endplug initiative. To date, 3M employees have completed 8,600 projects that have resulted in the elimination of more than 3 billion pounds of pollution and saved the company nearly $1.4 billion.  

About 3M

With $27 billion in sales revenue, 3M employs approximately 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com/sustainability or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

About SGP

SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive SGP certification, print facilities go well beyond compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. They establish sustainability management systems, implement best practices, and commit to continuous improvements in sustainability. Certified facilities are also required to report on progress annually.

Contacts:

Nancy Sperling
Communications Manager, 3M Commercial Graphics
nmsperling@mmm.com
651-733-1871

Mary Prevost
Karwoski & Courage Public Relations for 3M
m.prevost@creativepr.com
612-342-9716

Connie Thompson
3M Public Relations
csthompson1@mmm.com
651-733-8914

Heidi Thompson
ACE Public Relations for SGP
sgp@acepublicrelations.com
732.892.5445

“We are delighted to support the SGP Partnership in their important efforts to provide an industry standard for sustainability and best practices within print manufacturing operations,” comments Sapna Budev, Director Industry Programs, ISA.

“With ISA joining the SGP Partnership, the program now has the full support of all major trade associations in the graphic communications industry,” states Marci Kinter, Chair of the SGP Board of Directors.

ISA implements a variety of programs and services to assist member companies with sustainability. For example, it educates signage companies on how to become state- and EPA-compliant with regulations surrounding air quality, hazardous waste, recycling, energy efficiency, and more. It also researches alternative energy solutions for use in sign production, and ensures companies’ understanding of the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guidelines. Additionally, ISA is heavily involved in tracking and testifying on various environmental codes and standards that affect sign fabricators and suppliers.

For more information about the SGP Partnership, the Patron program, or the SGP certification process, visit www.sgppartnership.org.

About International Sign Association

The International Sign Association (ISA) is a trade association made up of manufacturers, users, and suppliers of on-premise signs and other visual communications systems. It is devoted to supporting, promoting, and improving the sign industry through government advocacy, education and training programs, technical resources, stakeholder outreach, and industry networking events.

About SGP

SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive SGP certification, print facilities go well beyond compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws.  They establish sustainability management systems; implement best practices and commit to continuous improvements in sustainability.  Certified facilities are also required to report on progress annually.

Contact:

Sapna Budev
International Sign Association
sb@signs.org
703.778.8095

Heidi Thompson
ACE Public Relations for SGP
sgp@acepublicrelations.com
732.892.5445

New Jersey — December 14, 2011 —  Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today announces that Earth Friendly Products’ Addison, IL-based print facility is SGP Certified. Earth Friendly Products is a manufacturer of more than 150 environmentally sound and effective cleaning products that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. The in-plant print facility supplies collateral and custom labeling to its five manufacturing plants nationwide. The facility meets SGP’s certification requirements for a sustainable printing operation, including establishing a sustainability management system and implementing best practices in sustainability.

Earth Friendly Products views itself as a company with an ethical and civic obligation to safeguard the natural environment. SGP Certification has encouraged the company to establish physical environments and organizational practices that are conducive to promoting the health, well-being, and effectiveness of its people. Earth Friendly Products strongly encourages its clients, partners, and customers to do the same.

“SGP Certification is a valuable educational tool for those who are more and more frequently asked to partner with their clients on sustainability programs,” comments Dr. Nadereh Afsharmanesh, Director of Sustainability, Earth Friendly Products. “Our company operates in harmony with the planet. We aim to be part of the solution to the many environmental challenges that we all face.”

“The Certification of Earth Friendly Products reinforces the company’s commitment to providing environmentally responsible products,” comments Gary Jones, Chairman of the SGP Technical Committee. “Becoming SGP certified is a strong statement, as it demonstrates that Earth Friendly Products is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to operating a sustainable business.”

For its four-color work, Earth Friendly Products uses the Heidelberg Quick Master 46/4 Direct Imaging waterless offset press. It uses no chemistry in plate development, and no fountain solutions; any printing plates are recycled silicone. The company also utilizes a Ryobi 512/2 color conventional press that uses a petrochemical-free fountain solution, a 1967 rebuilt 360 A.B. Dick with pillow blocks converted to accept a .008 poly plate, a Kompak damp system, and petrochemical- and alcohol-free Heidelberg fountain solutions. Conventional plates are poly-based and set on a Heidelberg Quicksetter. During the printing process, petrochemical free BIO-LOCITY by Superior Inks is exclusively used. Low VOC Press washes are manufactured by Explorer Pressroom Solutions.

About Earth Friendly Products

Earth Friendly Products is a division of Venus Laboratories. Headquartered in Addison, IL, with five diverse facilities nationwide, the company manufactures more than 150 environmentally sound and effective cleaning products. All Earth Friendly Products are created with only replenishable and sustainable plant-based ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. The company has received the 2011 Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award, the 2010 GEELA Award for Sustainable Business Practices, the 2009 Green Patriot TM Green 100TM Designation, and Champion-level recognition from the EPA through the Design for the Environment’s Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative.

About SGP

SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive certification, print facilities must accomplish the following: establish a sustainability management system; implement best practices in sustainability; and comply with local, state and federal employment laws. Certified facilities are also required to use SGP’s sustainability metrics system to report on progress annually.

PR Contacts

Dr. Nadereh Afsharmanesh

Earth Friendly Products

714.891.3100 ext. 241

nadereh@ecos.com

Heidi Thompson

ACE Public Relations for SGP

732.892.5445

sgp@acepublicrelations.com

Certification Body Supports Harper’s Sustainability Initiatives

New Jersey — November 11, 2011 –Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today welcomes Harper Corporation of America as its newest Silver Patron. Harper Corporation of America is the leading innovator in laser-engraved ceramic anilox roll production and restoration for the gravure and flexographic printing markets worldwide. Sustainability is a corporate value for Harper Corporation, and the company demonstrates its commitment through its support of SGP.”We are thrilled to support the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership,” comments Lee Kluttz, Vice President of Operations at Harper Corporation of America. “Sustainability is important at Harper Corporation, as it is throughout the flexographic industry. We are excited to contribute to a cause that we believe will only improve the industry as a whole.”

“We decided without hesitation to become a Patron of SGP. It is immensely gratifying to support a program that is working to make such a remarkable impact in the printing industry,” comments Lorna D’Alessio, Director of Print Media Sales at Top Value Fabrics.

“We are excited to have Top Value join SGP as a Patron. Their commitment to sustainability adds a strong cornerstone to the program,” states Marci Kinter, SGP Chairman of the Board.

Making a Difference

Top Value Fabrics has a heightened awareness of the numerous things it can do to make a difference, and thus encourages its customers, and even its competitors, to join the movement toward sustainability. The company makes concerted efforts in its offices and warehouse facilities to reduce all waste, also minimize power and paper usage. It additionally sources products and supplies locally for each of its facilities whenever possible.

Top Value Fabrics has been in business for more than 37 years, and offers a complete line of digital, screen, prepared-for-print textiles, and dye sublimation print media for indoor and outdoor use. The company supplies a wide selection of laminated and coated frontlit, blockout, PET, mesh and water-based banner and textiles, as well as industrial products and fabrics for printable apparel.

Solutions for Sustainability

Top Value Fabrics offers PVC-free substrates in its textile product line. It also promotes the elimination of material waste by manufacturing custom widths and lengths to suit repeat projects and contractual obligations. The company specifically engineers more environmentally friendly options to minimize the negative impact of toxic PVC, plasticizers, and fillers than standard banner materials.

About SGP

SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive certification, print facilities must accomplish the following: establish a sustainability management system; implement best practices in sustainability; and comply with local, state and federal employment laws. Certified facilities are also required to use SGP’s sustainability metrics system to report on progress annually.

For more information about the SGP Partnership, the SGP Patron program, or the SGP certification process, visit www.sgppartnership.org.

Contacts:

Top Value Fabrics
Karen Stuerenberg
karenstuerenberg@tvfinc.com
317.249.8735

ACE Public Relations for SGP Partnership
Heidi Thompson
sgp@acepublicrelations.com
732.892.5445 ]]> http://www.sgppartnership.org/2011/10/top-value-fabrics-joins-sgp-as-silver-patron/feed/ 0 http://www.sgppartnership.org/2011/10/osgp-speaking-engagement-sgia-1019-3-430pm/ http://www.sgppartnership.org/2011/10/osgp-speaking-engagement-sgia-1019-3-430pm/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:57:00 +0000 Ashley http://www.sgppartnership.org/?p=980

POP, Retail Display Printer Demonstrates Commitment to Employees, Environment; Certification Requirements Also Improve Manufacturing Processes

“PhotoCraft has an unwavering dedication to the environment and the community,” comments Tom Wittenberg, General Manager of PhotoCraft. “We continually seek out and adopt business processes, technologies, and materials that are consistent with safeguarding the ecology of our surroundings. SGP’s Certification is very important to our sustainability policy – it demonstrates our commitment to our stakeholders, while helping us to improve our operations.”

“Photocraft’s has validated their commitment to sustainable business practices through achieving certification under the SGP program,” Marci Kinter, Chairperson of the SGP Board of Directors.  “Their continued push marks them as an “outside the box” thinker!”

PhotoCraft actively informs its clients of sustainable practices and encourages the adoption of sustainability practices through leadership and example. The company also seeks collaboration of sustainable products and processes from its vendors and suppliers.

Printing capabilities at PhotoCraft include a fully UV curable Man Roland 40” press with perfecting and cold foiling options. In its Digital department, the company has two Vutek GS3200 large format digital UV curable printers, as well as two HP LX800 large format printers that make use of latex inks. The screen printing department includes a four color in-line large format UV curable press.

About PhotoCraft
Based in Portland, Oregon, PhotoCraft offers clients litho, screen and digital printing services that utilize the latest in UV technology. The company works to ensure that all graphics meet its high quality standards.

About SGP
SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive certification, print facilities must accomplish the following: establish a sustainability management system; implement best practices in sustainability; and comply with local, state and federal employment laws. Certified facilities are also required to use SGP’s sustainability metrics system to report on progress annually.

For more information about the SGP Partnership, the SGP Patron program, or the SGP certification process, visit www.sgppartnership.org.

Contacts:

PhotoCraft
Tim Jarnagin
timj@photocraft.com
503.416.5457

ACE Public Relations for SGP Partnership
Heidi Thompson
sgp@acepublicrelations.com
732.892.5445

Company Views Certification as a Means to Constant Improvement

Chicago — September 12, 2011 – Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, is celebrating its 3-year anniversary. SGP is marking this milestone with the launch of its newly designed website, http://www.sgppartnership.org/. The site provides an in-depth view of the organization’s history and key milestones, such as the company’s 35th certified printer. The website also showcases the companies that support SGP’s sustainability initiatives, including Platinum Patrons HP and Pregis.

“The first three years have definitely been a roller coaster ride,” states Marci Kinter, SGP Board of Directors Chair. “We have been busy, and plans are underway to announce more certified printers, as well as new programs to benefit the sustainable printing community.”

SGP is the only whole facility sustainability certification program for the graphic communications industry. Unlike other single attribute certification programs, SGP requires printers to consider their entire facility when undergoing certification. SGP’s program embodies the triple bottom line approach of “people, product and planet.”

With the launch of its new website, SGP makes it easy for print facilities, print buyers and interested parties to find in-depth information about the organization and its certified print community. The website also features video testimonials from certified printers, and the benefits that certification provides to their businesses and clients alike.

Interested parties can keep up-to-date on the latest SGP news, events, and press releases by subscribing to SGP’s blog or RSS feeds.

Chicago — September 12, 2011 – Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today introduces a ten-part educational video series about the benefits of sustainability in print facilities. The series addresses the importance of environmental and sustainability management systems, pathways to reduce waste, and the benefits of sustainability to both the printer and customer base. The videos have been produced in partnership with with HP, and will be posted on SGP’s website.

The video series highlights key elements of the SGP certification process. They also feature interviews with industry leaders from within the print community, including certified printers Portland Color, Stella Color, Sundance Marketing, Pictura, Modernistic, Photocraft, Premier Press, Infinity Images, and CP Interflex.

The first video of the 10-part series is posted on SGP’s website at www.sgppartnership.org. Subsequent videos will be posted weekly.