Flexo Printers on the Road to SGP Certification
Ronkonkoma, NY—Three Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) printer members are well on their way to certification by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP).
• Global Packaging, Oaks, PA, is a SGP Printer Pending Verification.
• Coating Excellence International, Wrightstown, WI, is a Candidate Pending Verification (CPV).
• Robbie Manufacturing, Inc., Lenexa, KS, is another CPV.
CPV is an optional, provisional category and a precursor to SGP Printer status. It allows facilities not yet eligible for full SGP Printer recognition 12 months to further develop their in-house programs to meet the SGP program registration criteria. CPV applicants must comply with all applicable environmental, health, safety and employment regulations; adhere to the SGP Guiding Principles, and implement a sustainability policy. CPVs cannot use the SGP logo, but are recognized for their accomplishments on the SGP Partnership Web site.
A SGP Printer is fully verified when in conformance with program criteria. SGP Printers must meet all the basic CPV commitments and establish a sustainability team; implement a management system; use SGP program metrics; take specific steps to reduce the facility’s environmental footprint; implement pollution prevention activities; and commit to fundamental social and ethical norms. SGP Printers Pending Verification are on a fast track to complete the audit process. Certified printers are given a number and logo for use on their printed products to indicate it was “Printed by a SGP Printer.” To maintain SGP Printer status a facility must provide an annual report documenting progress of previously approved projects. Certification is valid for two years.
Global Packaging, Coating Excellence International and Robbie Manufacturing, Inc. join the ranks of 32 printers currently recognized by the SGP Partnership for their sustainability accomplishments. Since opening the registration process, the organization has received a steady flow of applications. As of this release, there are five certified SGP Printers, seven more facilities awaiting their audits to become SGP Printers, and 19 CPVs.
The SGP Partnership is an independent, registration organization formed as a collaborative effort among the Flexographic Technical Association, Printing Industries of America, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, with the primary goals of defining sustainable green printing and recognizing facilities meeting established sustainable manufacturing and business practices. Additional support has been provided by the Envelope Manufacturers Association, Foil Stamping & Embossing Association and SGP Patrons. Printing facilities located in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply for recognition with the SGP Partnership.
Visit the SGP Partnership website at www.sgppartnership.org to identify printers on their sustainability journey and learn more about the program. For additional information about applying to the SGP Partnership program, contact Karen Gross, SGP Administrator, at kgross@sgppartnership.org
