Pittsburgh, Pa. – Printing Industries of America is pleased to announce that Paul Gutkowski has been awarded the prestigious William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award. The William D. Schaeffer Award is given annually to an individual who is advancing environmental awareness and action in the graphic communications industry.

Gutkowski has been the printing industry’s leading advocate in the Midwest for continuously promoting environmental compliance, sustainability efforts, and ideas within the printing and graphic communications industry for over 40 years. He is currently the director of safety and environmental services for Printing Industry Midwest.

Paul is well known for his work with the Great Printer Environmental Initiative, an environmental and safety certification program that requires printers to commit to the Initiative’s principals. These include compliance with all safety and environmental regulations as well as “beyond compliance” projects that minimize waste, recycling, maximize energy efficiency, and create a healthier or safer work environment.

“Paul is clearly an outstanding professional committed to assisting the graphic communications industry in our environmental compliance efforts. In addition to his extensive knowledge of our industry-related regulatory issues, Paul assisted our company in becoming a Minnesota Great Printer, which encourages companies to go beyond compliance.” said Bill Bowman, production manager of The First Impression Group. “He also assisted us in becoming hazardous waste-free after 20 years as a hazardous waste generator. We continually rely on Paul and his staff for their knowledge and recommendations to be a better company for us and the Earth.”

The award will be presented to Gutkowski at a Printing Industry Midwest event in August. For more information about the William D. Schaeffer Award, please visit www.printing.org/schaefferaward.