SUSTAINABILITY WATCH

Jakprints Creates EcoGreen Stickers

CLEVELAND—Jakprints, a Cleveland-based full-color, apparel and sticker printer, has created the EcoGreen Sticker, an environmentally-friendly adhesive product which serves as a green alternative to traditional sticker stocks.

According to the company, Jakprints focuses on keeping its business as environmentally-friendly as possible. "At Jakprints, creating a business with a positive impact on our environment and community is one of our driving principles," says Dameon Guess, Jakprints cofounder. "Our first goal with this product was to create an environmentally-friendly sticker alternative which simply didn't exist until now. We are proud to offer our consumers yet –another eco-conscious option for their printing."

EcoGreen Stickers are printed on TruStick stock, a Jakprints innovation, which is manufactured without using water or toxic agents and has a face stock made entirely from inorganic stone (limestone or calcium carbonate) and inorganic mineral powders. According to Jakprints, TruStick stock is the first energy-efficient, pressure-sensitive, and acid-free stock on the market.

The stickers are printed at 175 lines per inch (lpi), which produces a higher resolution than standard adhesive products. They are printed with fade-resistant, vegetable-based inks, and can be used for a variety of projects including sticker sheets, mailing labels, packaging labels, and more. The stickers are available in 30 different standard shapes and sizes or in custom sizes.

AF&PA Comments on EPA's Findings 
Under the Clean Air Act on Carbon Emissions

WASHINGTON—In December, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finding under the Clean Air Act that greenhouse gas emissions endanger the environment and public health. The following is AF&PA's position statement.

"The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) believes the Clean Air Act is the wrong tool to regulate a global problem like climate change. The Clean Air Act is an inflexible approach to regulating greenhouse gases and won't help either the environment or the economy."

"The Clean Air Act is not the right vehicle for regulating greenhouse gases," says AF&PA president and CEO Donna Harman. "Piecemeal regulations will harm efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and could discourage investment in new technology that is needed for a lower carbon economy. Making carbon dioxide an official air pollutant will trigger a cascade of regulatory programs that will stifle good energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Legislation that preserves U.S. competitiveness is a far better way to regulate greenhouse gas emissions."

Sustainable Print In Global Markets

RESTON, Va.—A 300+ page study published in 2009 by PRIMIR entitled, "Sustainable Print in a Dynamic Global Market: What Going Green Means," is now available for general release. The study, which was initially released exclusively to –PRIMIR and NPES members, delves into the impact of print on the environment. It investigates who is driving sustainability in the industry; reports on accreditation and other environmental management programs and systems; reviews regulatory and compliance issues; contrasts how print compares with other industries; and discusses carbon footprinting and offsetting. The study also provides a number of best-practice case studies relevant to all firms in the print supply chain.

Conducted for PRIMIR by Pira International, the research revealed that companies in the print industry have a wide span of what it means to be "green." Many printers claim to be "green" because they are FSC or SFI certified. Additionally, a large number of printers are recycling everything they can from their operations and many are generating income from these recycling programs. But the study revealed that the more progressive firms have a culture—an all-out corporate commitment to sustainability—with full-time staff dedicated to that purpose. These companies have made significant investments that provide a positive ROI, not only to their production costs, but also in new customers that are seeking a sustainable supplier.

In addition, the comprehensive study identifies a number of recommendations for virtually all participants in the print supply chain. For more information, visit www.primir.org.

Color Resolutions International Achieves Sony Green Partner Status

FAIRFIELD, OH—Sony Corporation has recognized Color Resolutions International's (CRI) ongoing commitment to sound environmental practices and earth-friendly inks by certifying CRI as a member of its Green Partner Program. The presentation of the Certificate of Green Partner follows a rigorous audit by Sony that, in part, measured strict compliance with its environmental guideline standards. An important part of Sony's procurement policy, the Green Partner Program requires that outside suppliers meet Sony's Green Partner requirements for environmentally friendly products, production facilities, and management systems. The certification is required for all suppliers who provide components, devices, and materials for Sony products.

"We are very pleased to be recognized by Sony as a Green Partner," says George Sickinger, president and CEO of CRI. "Our certification recognizes CRI's commitment to quality products and environmental responsibility, and we commend Sony for its work to protect the environment."

PaperWorks Receives FSC Certification

PHILADELPHIA—PaperWorks Industries announced that it has received the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification for some of its production across its MasterWorks line of products. FSC certification is a system that provides internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance, and accreditation services to companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry. The 5-year certification means the company has been officially recognized as being committed to strict tracking requirements. Customers that see the FSC Chain of Custody number on their materials can have confidence that their FSC-certified products come from responsibly managed forest resources.

"Not only are we proud of our FSC Chain of Custody certification, but it provides a significant advantage to customers who want FSC certification for their products in turn," says Mark P. Roy, senior vice president, commercial development. "By providing FSC-certified products, we give them a major part of the custody chain with products they can use without requiring a rigorous on-site supplier audit process." pP