Jim Raffel, CEO of ColorMetrix Technologies, a developer of color measurement and process control systems for the printing industry recently wrote blog post on "Sustainable Green Printing," the war on waste and statistical process control.
Jim's post takes a look at sustainability and some of the motivating factors companies use to make their operations more green. Jim's thesis is that companies have adopted components of sustainability for years to increase their profits and make more money. Jim's thoughts are in line with the Grant Thornton LLP and BusinessWeek Research Services explores executives’ views on corporate responsibility which found "Executives are supporting corporate responsibility initiatives not just for compliance or image reasons, but because they believe corporate responsibility improves profitability."
As I examine the sustainability movement within the printing and publishing industry, one question in the back of my mind are the process control requirements when it comes to putting ink-on-paper. What guidance is available to printers when taking a holistic approach to sustainability. What guidelines should printers follow when it comes to properly sourced paper, optimized processes, waste recovery? And most importantly, how should this be measured and reported?
Discussion
By Patrick Berger on Feb 12, 2008
There are no guidelines. Where you are at today is the baseline. Where you want to be is your goal. When you reach your goal you will have your guideline. Properly done holistic sustainability is an economic advantage. There are a few suppliers that can help and point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that those with experience,accumulated knowledge and skill in this area are few in number.
By dan on Feb 13, 2008
when they I un-lurk. If you assume that profitability is probably a symptom efficiency (waste recovery/optimized processes/etc.) and with remote understanding where that the industry sits as an actor in business ecosystems (coincidentally, all those other businesses are dedicating themselves to their own sustainability plans) - ie - the customer will set the standards and you'll know when you're not meeting them - and even if you don't like those standards, they will be what they will be. Although, you do bring up a good question about why there's so little available standardization for the macro/holistic approach on the industry. The lack thereof coupled with the green fever that will assuredly take hold come next January makes me slightly concerned that we might be in for some very serious regulatory kicks in the teeth
By Bob on Feb 13, 2008
The GATF/PIA is working on defining the green printing sustainability metrics. The metrics will be released at the NEHS conference in Indianapolis on March 10-13.
There has been a committee working on the definitions with many of the industry associations and members.
I suggest attending if you are able. This will provide some insight that we have all been waiting for.
By Marci on Feb 13, 2008
To echo Bob's comment, the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership strives to set the criteria and guidelines for sustainable business practices within the printing industry, and it goes beyond paper handling systems. We are seeking to set guidelines that do establish a holistic approach to sustainability within the printing industry, regardless of print platform.
This SGP Partnership is a true partnership, and is managed by PIA/GATF, SGIA and FTA
By Michael Josefowicz on Feb 13, 2008
Bob and Marci- Sounds good. Just curious, will the documents to be presented at the meeting be posted on line? Any consideration to posting on line for discussion before the meeting? No problem if not. I look forward to seeing what people have come up with.
By Bob on Feb 14, 2008
I have reviewed the draft document that the committee has determined to be the guidelines for the SGP Partnership. Finally, we will have the metrics that drive sustainable green printing and as Marci stated, this applies to all print platforms.
As far as posting the guidelines on-line, that will be up to the partnership, I haven't heard one way or the other yet.
I still suggest that anyone interested in hearing the proposed metrics that the committee developed, try to attend the NEHS show if at all able. I'm sure there will be many questions answered.
By Suzanne on Feb 15, 2008
There is environmental sustainability and there's economic sustainability. Maybe if companies looked beyond the next quarter, they would see that sustainability = controlled profitability ("sustain" = "over time"). I get the feeling that the influence of the stock market over management (ie, greed) is one of the biggest barriers to achieving true sustainability.