This is the question on everyone’s mind today.  How does a printing facility determine if the steps they are taking lead them down a path towards sustainable development?  SGIA shares these concerns and has launched an initiative with a dual goal C one, defining, in broad terms, sustainable printing and two, development of a program that will help the industry achieve sustainable business practices.

 　　Green initiatives and pushes for sustainable production practices in manufacturing operations are gaining considerable momentum. For the printing industry, sustainability has reached a critical mass of interest due to customer demand, environmental groups’ voice, investment groups, regulatory agencies, and consumers. Printers of all sizes are under pressure by their customers to demonstrate that they are producing products and using a manufacturing process that is considered environmentally friendly. Many of the larger and smaller print buyers have come under pressure by investors and environmental groups to demonstrate they are using materials and processes that are considered “environmentally sustainable,” that minimize the impact their product has on the environment.

 　　SGIA, in conjunction with the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation and the Flexographic Technical Association, have embarked on an ambitious project, the Sustainable Green Printing Project.  The goal of this project is to define sustainable green printing and identify steps that help the printing industry establish manufacturing practices and produce products that are more environmentally sustainable. Since sustainability is a journey with a constantly shifting end point, the Sustainable Green Printing Project must be constantly reviewed and updated to incorporate new technologies from both a manufacturing and operational perspective as well as product input materials.

 　　The following mission statement has been drafted and is under consideration:

　　The mission of the Sustainable Green Printing Project is to provide member companies with guidance, programs and services which will enable member companies to position themselves as a sustainable “green” printer through voluntary adherence to industry-identified guidelines. 
 

　　An ad hoc advisory group has been formed to provide SGIA with guidance, input and comments on the project as it moves forward.  If you are interested in participating, please contact me at marcik@sgia.org. 

 　　The first step in this project has been putting forth a definition of sustainable printing for debate and discussion:

 　　 Sustainable Printing 

 　　The printing industry is an integral part of the world’s manufacturing community. Print plays a vital role in communication, education, and daily existence. The printing industry understands its effect on the natural world and accepts responsibility to reduce its overall environmental impact.

 　　The major printing associations* support the following sustainable business practices to ensure continued viability and growth:

 　　Employ wherever possible, materials derived from renewable resources or with low environmental impact, maximizing recycling and recovery efforts, with efficient utilization of renewable energy.
 

　　Encourage the adoption of changes within the supply chain by strongly recommending the use of raw materials that do not threaten or harm future generations.
 

　　Educate the customer and ultimate consumer regarding the benefits of a restorative economy.
 

　　Sustainable businesses adopt strategies and activities that allow the enterprise and its stakeholders to realize their profit goals in ways that protect, sustain, and restore the earth’s life support systems for future generations.  Ultimately, the printing industry strives to become sustainable through incorporation of economic, corporate social responsibility, and environmental stewardship into business operations while adhering to sustainable business practices.

 　　* Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, Flexographic Technical Association

 　　As we move forward, we are interested in your thoughts and feedback. Let us know.  Send us your comments, interests, as well as successes that you have in your own road to sustainability.  We hear great things about the screen and wide format industry C share these stories with us so we can help inspire others.