PARAMUS, N.J. (July 29, 2008)-A new Special Report from NAPL-the National Association for Printing Leadership-presents an overview of environmental opportunities for commercial printers, details leading printers' efforts in these areas, and provides real-world actionable information and resources to help printers "go green" in a way that is both environmentally responsible and profitable.
 
"If years were defined by colors, 2008 might be red (profitability) and green (the environment). The challenge is to satisfy the needs of the latter with the limited resources of the former," notes the report, which reviews numerous "initiatives that can help turn socially responsible objectives into bottom-line boosting results."
 
The 16-page report's first two sections-"Get It on Paper" and "Sustain the Power"-cover sustainability programs from forest certification to renewable resource power supplies. The third-"Put It Into Practice"-looks at several printers whose environmental commitment has been evidenced in projects that range from using vegetable-based inks and recyclable ink barrels to eliminating solvent disposal via new recovery technology and supporting reforestation programs as part of a carbon-neutral goal.
 
"Our latest Special Report offers NAPL members and others in the printing community real help in finding ways to achieve their own environmental aims, meeting the demands of customers who are seeking environmentally responsible products, and still maintaining their profit margins," said Joseph P. Truncale, NAPL President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that printers will find it an invaluable resource in enabling them to balance profitability and environmental responsibility."
 
Among the report's features are "Five Short Steps to Sustainability" from NAPL's Print Consulting Group, methods for incorporating environmental metrics into a lean manufacturing program, and a score of website resources, including links to government, industry, and private groups offering free information for printers seeking to learn more about environmental opportunities. The report includes contributions from NAPL Senior Consultant/Technology Howard Fenton, NAPL Senior Director/Communications Dawn Lospaluto, and industry writer Howard Riell.
 
NAPL members receive a free copy of the report as a member benefit (additional copies are $9.95 each). Non-members may purchase it for $14.95 by visiting www.napl.org/store and entering code NS447, or by calling (800) 642-6275, Ext. 5.