Ridgefield Park, NJ -- Agfa Graphics today announced the induction of the 100th customer, Sportswood Printing of Straffordville, Ontario, Canada, into an elite group of printers that have been honored in the past year by the GreenWorks™ Recognition Program. Launched one year ago, Agfa's GreenWorks has been part of the company's environmental recognition and support efforts, honoring Agfa customers that are proactively involved in environmental responsibility.

Sportswood Printing, a Division of The Canadian Sportsman - Canada's oldest magazine established in 1870, considers its vendor partnerships carefully to ensure there is a common philosophy with regard to the environment. Through internal efforts and innovative technologies like Agfa's :Azura thermal plates, Sportswoods Printing services its customers more efficiently and reduces its environmental impact in the process.
 
According to Peter Spiering, Production Manager at Sportswood Printing, "We did our homework before switching to Agfa's chem-free plate. We see savings in so many areas, from the elimination of raw materials to reduced liquid waste removal. :Azura has been a real boost and we are proud to be a GreenWorks winner."

Many GreenWorks printers have made excellent strides in their efficiency and conservation programs.  This program has honored and rewarded companies of all sizes and specialties for their environmental efforts. From Keller Crescent, a large commercial printer to Briggs & Stratton Graphic Services, the in-plant printing department of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, GreenWorks winners are doing their part to operate more efficient and productive businesses. In fact, Spectrum Printing & Graphics of Rockville, MD, an early GreenWorks inductee, was recently recognized by the EPA's Green Power Partnership®. The Green Power Partnership supports the organizational procurement of green power, electricity produced from a subset of renewable resources, like solar, wind and geothermal. Today Spectrum Printing & Graphics is purchasing 100 percent green power, and Andrew Berman, president of Spectrum, believes that it not only makes sense for environmental reasons, but it's also a great business decision.

"We see a trend where businesses in general must reduce waste, conserve resources, use the most efficient tools and innovative equipment to distinguish themselves from their competition. In doing so, these businesses are able to provide their customers with real value and savings. At Agfa, we operate with this philosophy in mind as reflected in our portfolio of products. From :Azura and :Amigo plates that help printers reduce water consumption and chemistry use, to our digital solutions like :Apogee Web Approval for soft proofing and Inksave (ink optimization technology).These products offer customers an opportunity to reduce paper, ink, labor and even delivery costs. Agfa is leading the charge and we are pleased to support others in their efforts," said Peter Wilkens, President of Agfa Graphics, NA.

To be considered for Agfa's GreenWorks program, companies must be users of Agfa's ThermoFuse™ plate-making technology which includes top-selling chemistry-free :Azura plates or low-chemistry :Amigo plates, both of which have significant environmental benefits compared to conventional digital or analog plates. Companies must also demonstrate active and ongoing environmental initiatives such as recycling, waste reduction programs, conservation initiatives and even use alternative energy sources. The companies must also promote and communicate the benefits of greener printing.

For a full listing of Agfa's Green Works printers, visit www.gdusa.com/agfa 
 
Our World
Supporting customers is Agfa's top priority. Our charter is to develop technology that improves efficiencies, improves quality and saves money while lessening the environmental impact. We are committed to providing service and support that will help our customers implement environmental and workplace safety. We support our customers in their efforts to attract print buyers who prefer to do business with printers that demonstrate environmental concern. Partnering with our customers and with other manufacturers is essential to our vision of Our World-a place where we can all improve business and the environment simultaneously.