Loveland, OH - The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) and Canopy (formerly Markets Initiative) have formed an alliance to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, further enhancing the value of each program and establishing a foundation for future collaborative efforts. To kick off this alliance, the organizations will host a free webinar on September 8th,2010 entitled "Endangered Forests and the Lacey Act - What Printers Can Do to Minimize Risk." SGP and Canopy will discuss the critical role printers have in protecting endangered forest lands and see what one printer has done to influence others. Other topics include the SGP-Canopy Alliance, the current state of global forest and paper issues, resources for finding eco-paper and forest conservation issues, the Lacey Act and its requirements, and the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement.

Canopy is an independent, non-profit organization that works to protect the world's forests, species and climate by collaboratively engaging the business community and public to create a sustainable and innovative supply chain. Canopy is now working with printers throughout North America and having a policy with Canopy fulfills the 'sustainability policy' and exceeds the 'responsible materials sourcing' components of SGP's Certification Criteria.

"Canopy is pleased to have formed this alliance with SGP because we provide the framework for leading paper purchasing policies that support endangered forest conservation and the development of the most environmentally friendly paper.  We are happy to support printers throughout North America in implementing this vision," stated Neva Murtha, 2nd Harvest/Printer/Magazine Campaigner for Canopy.

According to Marcia Kinter, SGP Board of Directors Chair, "SGP's alliance with Canopy represents a significant step forward.  Canopy's program offers printing companies the tools necessary to meet and exceed certification criteria relating to responsible sourcing.  We are pleased to welcome Canopy and look forward to establishing a stronger working relationship."