March 27, 2008 - Fairfax, Virginia -- Hundreds of graphic communication professionals recently converged on Indianapolis to hear about "Green Pathways to Sustainability" at the National Environmental, Health & Safety Conference, an event co-sponsored by SGIA. http://www.sgia.org/index.cfm

The three-day conference, geared toward safety and environmental decision makers for graphic printing companies of all processes, shifted more of its focus toward green initiatives, with attendees learning about sustainability's increasing influence on printing companies.

"It's no longer acceptable for companies to just say they're acting sustainable," says Marci Kinter, SGIA's Vice President of Government & Business Information. "They now need to prove to their customers they are incorporating actual sustainable business practices that offer measurable results."

The conference featured presentations from H.J. Heinz Co. and other leading companies about their experiences with implementing sustainable business models. Attendees delved further into maintaining a sustainable business -- from environmental steps companies can take to employee wellness and safety programs -- during the breakout sessions.

The Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership also used the conference to launch its Printer Registry. The SGP Partnership, a graphic imaging industry coalition of which SGIA is a major partner, created the printer registry as a way to recognize printing companies of all types that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable business practices. www.sgppartnership.org

Printing companies will be required to complete an application as well as an on-site verification by a third party.

To learn more about the printer registry and get involved, visit the partnership's Web site at www.sgppartnership.org.