First SGP certification of an event agency's print production facility

Sayville, N.Y. – The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), the leading authority in sustainable printing certifications for print manufacturers, announced its first certification of an event agency print product with SGP certification of Shepard.

SGP certifies printing facilities as part of its commitment to create a more accountable, efficient supply chain for print buyers. Shepard's achievement marks the first time an SGP certification has been awarded to a company that offers general services outside of printing. As an event management agency that provides services (including printing) for event organizers and exhibitors, Shepard sought SGP certification to reduce the environmental impact of its printing activities and help customers achieve their own sustainability goals.

As a result of Shepard's commitment to sustainability, the organization has been able to reduce operational expenses and pass those savings on to customers. Decreasing waste, reusing materials, and working with eco-friendly inks and substrates has allowed Shepard to attract a wide base of clients who are concerned about corporate responsibility.

"We want to show other general service contractors that recycling and using chemicals and inks that are more environmentally friendly will cut costs back and will also have a big impact on how shows are installed and dismantled," said Steve Margos, executive vice president of operations at Shepard. "SGP certification fits our bold set of initiatives to reduce the 600,000 tons of waste produced by the events industry each year."

Shepard's eight printing facilities nationwide have reduced operating expenses by:

• Storing and reusing event graphics
• Choosing environmentally-friendly solutions for lighting and energy
• Decreasing landfill waste and increasing recycling

To learn more about how your printing operation can follow Shepard's lead and take the next step in corporate responsibility with SGP certification, visit www.sgppartnership.org.