LEXINGTON, KY -- WhatTheyThink, the leading news and information site for the graphic communications industry, today announced the opening of applications for the Second Annual WhatTheyThink Environmental Innovation Awards, presented in partnership with Unisource Worldwide, Inc. and Unisource’s respect™ Printers’ Program.  This year, Heidelberg USA, Neenah Paper and NewPage Corporation have joined with Unisource as sponsors of the awards.

The Environmental Innovation Awards are being offered to any graphic communications service provider located in North America, regardless of size and printing process; in recognition that innovative ideas are not constrained by company size or process.  The awards are intended to provoke, encourage and celebrate creative thinking and innovative solutions.

Five awards will be presented to industry leaders who have developed environmental solutions within the design, production and delivery value chain for printed graphic communications.  This recognition honors companies that are making real and concrete contributions to innovation, implementation and communication of environmental solutions.

“Winners of the Second Annual WhatTheyThink Environmental Innovation Awards will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2010,” said Gail Nickel-Kailing, managing editor of WhatTheyThink Going Green. “2010 is the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day and this is a great opportunity to recognize companies that are innovative and environmentally progressive.  We will be presenting awards to five companies that have implemented projects, initiatives and processes which go beyond certification and compliance and are truly innovative solutions.” 

Five awards will be presented; one in each of the following categories:

• Environmental Sustainability and Your Community recognizes a company that is involved in an environmentally progressive community program such as initiatives for charitable organizations, internal programs such as alternative transportation for staff, and other “outreach” that supports both the environment and the community.
• Environmental Sustainability and Your Plant recognizes a company that is “walking the talk” in their own plant; for example, incorporating lean/green manufacturing, unique lighting or ventilation, a white roof, etc.
• Environmental Sustainability and Your Processes recognizes a company that has implemented environmentally sensitive processes incorporating inks, papers, consumables, waste management, or recycling in new and different ways.
• Beyond Environmental Sustainability recognizes a leading-edge solution or initiative involving unique creativity; for example, a biodiesel “still” to create alternative power sources or installation of wind or solar power.
• Thought Leader (Overall Best of Class) recognizes a company that best represents the “new green graphic arts company” among all applicants. The recipient will be a truly innovative, disruptively-creative company.

Entries for the Environmental Innovation Awards are to be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. EST, March 26, 2010, to [email protected].  Organizations may submit applications in more than one category; however, a separate application must be submitted for each category for consideration.

Application forms are available at http://members.whattheythink.com/environmental-award/

About WhatTheyThink

WhatTheyThink is the printing and publishing industry's leading media organization; offering a wide range of publications delivering unbiased, real-time market intelligence, industry news, economic and trend analysis, peer-to-peer communication, and special reports on emerging technology and critical events. For more information go to www.WhatTheyThink.com.

About Unisource Worldwide, Inc.

Unisource Worldwide, Inc. is a leading independent marketer and distributor of commercial printing and business imaging papers, packaging systems and facility supplies and equipment in North America. For more information visit www.unisourcelink.com.

About Heidelberg USA

With its sheetfed offset printing machines, Heidelberg USA is one of the leading solution providers for the print media industry. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, with development and production sites in seven countries and around 250 sales offices across the globe, the company supports around 200,000 customers worldwide. Go to www.us.heidelberg.com/.

About Neenah Paper

An innovator in the premium uncoated paper industry bringing state-of-the-art technology to its signature brands, CLASSIC®, ENVIRONMENT® and SUNDANCE®  brands to name a few. Neenah’s, green initiatives include: mill-based solutions; use of Green Energy; being a U.S. EPA Green Power Partner and produces many brands carrying the Green-e, Green Seal certification and meet the mark of responsible forestry.   Visit www.neenahpaper.com/neenahgreen.

About NewPage Corporation

NewPage Corporation is the largest coated paper manufacturer in North America, offering coated freesheet, coated groundwood, supercalendered, newsprint and specialty papers. NewPage has nine mills in the U.S. and one in Canada; all are chain-of-custody certified by the three recognized forest management programs. NewPage is a leader in development and sales of sustainable forest management chain-of-custody certified products with over a million tons of chain-of-custody sales. To learn more go to: www.newpagecorp.com.