Sustainability

Headquartered in Sewickley, Pa., the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), will explain how graphic communications companies can take advantage of two of the industry’s hottest trends—lean manufacturing and green printing—when its National Seminar Tour resumes this spring. The one-day Lean and Green seminar, being held at eight locations across the country, helps companies trim manufacturing waste and time, and focuses on sustainable manufacturing practices that meet customers’ demands and reduce costs. Ken Rizzo, PIA/GATF’s director of consulting and head of its Center for Lean Practices, and Gary Jones, PIA/GATF’s director of environmental, health and safety, will co-present the program. The seminar

Debra Rizzi, a founding partner of Manasquan, New Jersey-based Rizco Design recently launched the company’s BeLeaf initiative—a measurable sustainability program ensuring a percentage of each job is environmentally correct. Rizco Design planted some green while designing call for entries materials for the Art Director’s Club of New Jersey. This year’s theme is “Jersey Produce: Organic Design Grown to Perfection.” What makes these pieces green? They utilized eco-friendly printing and paper, were produced to minimize resources and the end products are recyclable. Rizzi noted the job is also a perfect example of gang running, which lowers costs, eliminates waste and reduces energy. “We fit

The Organic Trade Association accepted Deer Park, New York-based Overnight Labels as a new associate member. Membership was granted due to the company’s alliance with businesses in the organic trade, as well as its ability to provide environmentally friendly printing processes, including water-based inks, aqueous coatings and environmentally friendly substrates. Overnight Labels supplies labels, shrink sleeves, neck bands, multi-packs and flexible packaging to markets such as natural and organic food, beverage and personal care. The company is the winner of the FTA 2007 Environmental Excellence Award for Process Improvement, and the recipient of multiple awards for print quality. Overnight Labels will be at

Fenton, Missouri-based FormStore has purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) equal to 100 percent wind power for its two Fenton manufacturing facilities. RECs purchased through Pure Power prevent approximately 900 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year—equal to the carbon dioxide reduction provided by more than 700 acres of forest storing carbon for one year or taking almost 200 cars off the road for a year. Said Paul Edwards, president, “Purchasing RECs equal to 100 percent wind power brings FormStore into the forefront with renewable energy resource trends not only in the United States, but worldwide. This is extremely important when

New Jersey-based SGS Systems & Services Certification is a leading certification body in forest management, with more than 1,500 chain-of-custody (CoC) certifications worldwide. Mike Evers, sales executive, northeast region, discussed available CoC certifications and the audit process. “Green can mean many things; CoC only applies to wood and paper materials,” he said. “It has nothing to do with soy ink or energy conservation or renewable power sources. But, [CoC] is a standard that has a lot of teeth.” Forest product certification in the United States and Canada is principally being sought under one of two competing standards—Forest

By Maggie DeWitt As the demand for environmental integrity grows, many in the industry are turning over a new leaf when it comes to items they’re adding to their product lines. This month’s mystery product showcases a new, truly unique, high-performing, eco-friendly substrate that can help close sales with end-customers interested in advancing green initiatives. No forests have been harmed in the manufacturing of the product, and it provides a smooth surface for exceptional color saturation and image resolution. Check out the following clues to guess what the item is: • It is made entirely from inorganic mineral powders derived from stone,