April 29, 2005 -- Being a good environmental steward has been part of Quad/Graphics’ culture since day one, but these days it’s not enough to act responsibly within our walls. We’ve come to realize we have to look both upstream and downstream in the supply chain to really make a global impact. Quad/Graphics' operations took a decidedly outward and upstream focus in January 2004 when we announced we had become the first printer in the industry to earn chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The certification tracks wood products from the forest to final destination, guaranteeing finished products originate from responsibly managed forests. On behalf of our efforts and the example we set, Chairman & CEO Tom Quadracci has been named a 2005 Sustainable Standard-Setter by the Rainforest Alliance, a New York-based not-for-profit organization. Its mission is protecting ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Calling Quad/Graphics a leader in the emerging certified-sustainable sector, the Rainforest Alliance lauded the scope of our environmental initiatives, which go beyond just FSC certification to include sophisticated recycling operations, best available emissions control technology, and extensive energy and fuel conservation programs. "We’re always interested in opportunities to minimize our footprint on the environment," Tom explained. "Examining the supply chain and supporting sustainable forestry, in particular, is just one way we’ve been able to make an impact and promote preservation." Other recipients of Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter awards include coffee producers Grupo Kachalu and Luis Pascoal of Da Terra; as well as eco-tourism company Ecoventura and its owner Santiago Dunn. "On large scales and small, [these companies] are showing the world how to make commercial activity sustainable, so that instead of destroying sensitive environments and perpetuating poverty, our economy actually preserves habitats and improves workers’ lives and communities," said Tensie Whelan, Executive Director of the Rainforest Alliance. A Model Citizen Quad/Graphics' approach to being a good corporate citizen is unmistakably similar to our business model, which focuses on the long-term viability of print. From retiring outmoded equipment and replacing it with newer, ultra-productive capacity to streamlining our processes and eliminating waste in all that we do, we’re ensuring our platform remains competitive well into the future. Likewise with sustainable forestry. Supporting initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of print production, we’re positioning the industry and our clients for continued prosperity. According to Tom: "Our industry is in a prime position to influence the reduction of environmental impacts associated with the use of paper while still meeting our business needs and the needs of society. … Taking care of the environment is simply good business." Among the rewards we harvest for our efforts is the ability to enable our clients to use the FSC’s trademarked "checkmark and tree" logo on their magazines and catalogs. In turn, this raises their profile among their environmentally conscious customers. In Good Company The Rainforest Alliance also has recognized The Candlewood Timber Group, Favorita Fruit Company and The Forestland Group as Corporate Sustainable Standard-Setters. Kraft Foods was named a Corporate Green Globe Awardee while Alan Knight — who recently served as head of sustainability at B&Q, Europe’s largest home improvement retailer — was named an Individual Green Globe Awardee. Tom will accept the award at a conference and gala dinner in New York City on May 11.