Kermit the Frog said it best. “It’s not easy being green.” Printers probably commiserate with everyone’s favorite amphibian when the topic turns to adopting green business practices. However, some experts don’t believe it has to be a difficult task. In other words, printers don’t have to kiss a frog in the process.
For instance, a company can build a green brand by simply doing some self-evaluation and planning, commented Gary A. Jones, director of Environmental Health and Safety Affairs for Sewickley, Pennsylvania-based Printing Industries of America (PIA). Once a plan is developed and executed, printers will start to see how getting green can turn into gold. Expanding your recycling program to include such items as office paper, plastics, cans and bottles, or reducing waste and keeping tabs on energy consumption can slash operating costs, boost reputation and swell customer bases.
Jones, who recently spoke at San Diego Print Week 2009, recommended printers take an inventory of what they do, especially noting what they throw away. From there, they should craft a plan that is “systematic and systemic.”
“In an organized fashion you need to identify areas for improvement and then develop and execute a plan,” Jones said. “And empower the workforce. You need a culture change within the organization.”
But even before flushing out a plan, Jones recommended brushing up on what sustainability is and what it’s about. People, he said, really need to understand the definition of sustainability. Jones explained it as “... an economic state where the demands placed upon the environment by people and commerce can be met without reducing the capacity of the environment to provide for future generations.”
And printers’ goals should be to make and distribute products that do not diminish natural resources and aren’t harmful to people and ecosystems. Sustainability also should include waste prevention and reduction, resource reduction, pollution and toxin reduction, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity maintenance.
That’s a tall list, one that Jones’ recognized won’t be reached overnight.
Jones continued, saying the simplest way to reach goals once a plan is established is to complete one project at a time.
Companies can get the “biggest bang for their bucks” by looking at energy efficiency and focusing on, in particular, compressed air use, he suggested.
“Leaks in your compressed air system can waste 3 [percent] to 5 percent of your total energy bill,” Jones said. “If you can hear the air hissing, then you are at the 5 percent range. That’s your electric bill. That’s money going out the window. Start by fixing the leaks.”
“Some customers just focus on paper, but there is another layer there,” he mentioned. “Some are more sophisticated when it comes to the issue and want to know how you manufacture it. You are seeing that in some RFPs (request for proposals).”
Statistics show that sustainability is real and not just a new flavor of the month. According to the 2007 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey, 93 percent of those surveyed believe companies have a responsibility to help preserve the environment. The survey also showed that 71 percent believe companies should reduce pollution in office and manufacturing operations, and 69 percent feel businesses should be distributing and transporting products more efficiently.
Jones also urged printers to get certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. The partnership, which was launched in September, aims to encourage and promote participation in the worldwide movement to reduce environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry through sustainable green printing practices.
Flexographic Technical Association, National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers, PIA and Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, Envelope Manufacturer’s Association, Foil Stamping and Embossing Association are all partners with the group.
Jones explained that printers can become certified by the program by registering on its website (www.sgppartnership.org), meeting a set of criteria to establish performance standards and undergoing an audit. The list of certified printers is made available to the print buying community so they can be identified as green printers, he said.
After printers begin eco-friendly projects or making other green moves, Jones urged companies to spread the word.
“You must mingle with your community and publicize your efforts,” he said.
It proved extremely beneficial for Chicago-based printer Consolidated Printing Company. Known in the Chicago area for its eco-friendly printing methods, Consolidated was named the sole printer for a converted warehouse building in the city.
“The city approached this printer because it was so green and now it’s reaping the benefits,” Jones stated. “That’s good business.”
Working with a local branch of Rails to Trails, environmental and community groups, helps a company get its message out and build a good reputation.
“The important thing is that you got everyone to look at it,” Jones said. “Even starting one project at a time is something. Remember it doesn’t happen overnight, but people need to know what you’re doing.”
Jones encouraged people to perceive sustainability, not as a threat, but a journey with opportunities. PPR
- People:
- Gary A. Jones
- Places:
- Chicago