Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today announces that the manufacturing facility of J.L. Clark is now SGP Certified. The packaging firm produces metal tins and decorated plastic containers for the spool, film, tobacco, flat sheet, confection, spice, battery, HBA, and promotional markets. SGP Certification fulfills J.L. Clark's customers' increasing requests for audits and documentation of its sustainable processes. The company is the first metal lithographer to achieve SGP Certification, positioning it at the forefront of design, printing, and metal manufacturing.

"Our journey of 107 years has seen many changes, but the one constant has been sustainability," comments Philip Baerenwald, President, J.L. Clark. "From using metal scraps for new products to becoming a zero-waste to landfill facility, J.L. Clark takes stewardship to the environment seriously. SGP Certification provides third party validation to demonstrate our commitment."

"With their commitment to sustainability, JL Clark, is a strong addition to SGP's Certified print community," remarks Marci Kinter, Chair of the SGP Program.  "We look forward to working with JL Clark as they move forward in their journey to become a zero landfill facility!"

J.L. Clark has received numerous awards for its sustainability programs, including the prestigious 2011 Illinois Governor's Sustainability Award and the KNIB Earth Day Award. J.L. uses both UV and conventional ink with up to 4 colors per pass; multiple passes allows printing of 100% of the metal packaging colors available. In addition, J.L. Clark actively participates in sustainable projects such as the Great American Clean Up. The company donates used computers to a repair/recycle facility, and encourages employee participation in regular clothing and houseware drives.