Waseca, MN (June 09, 2008) –   As part of its broad commitment to environmental sustainability, Brown Printing is proud to announce the achievement of PEFC Chain-of-Custody Certification (SGS-PEFC/COC-0468) across all three of its printing facilities.  PEFC certification provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests. 

This achievement adds to the growing number of environmental initiatives and certifications at Brown.  In addition to PEFC Chain-of-Custody Certification, Brown has also been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council™ (SGS-COC-004541) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (NCS-SFICOC-118) chain-of-custody certifications. These globally recognized and accepted certifications allow Brown’s customers to choose certified paper for all of their printed materials.

“The addition of the PEFC chain-of-custody certification broadens Brown’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability.”  According to Jill Tobin, Director of Marketing & Strategy, “At Brown, we take this commitment seriously, and so do our customers.  These three certifications empower our customers to make an educated environmental choice about the products they use.” 

These certifications play an integral role in the environmental responsibility Brown has maintained for over 50 years.  As customer demands for products from sustainably managed forests continue to grow,
Brown continues to seek out fresh initiatives to improve our impact on the world.  

In addition to these certifications, Brown is an industry leader and early adopter of many other environmental friendly practices.  Virtual Proofing is offered on each and every press at Brown eliminating the need for paper proofs and reducing emissions incurred while shipping.  Brown’s state of the art co-mailing combines shipments creating full trucks, resulting in fewer trips and reduced emissions.  Other initiatives include reconditioning and reusing printing blankets, re-filtering and blending leftover ink in to new batches, revamping plant lighting with energy efficient fixtures and diligently analyzing landfill streams to pull out all recyclable materials.

Brown will continue to work closely with its customers on environmental solutions and the integration of these options in to their products.  The result: a more environmentally friendly product, a stronger brand name and a healthier world in which to live for generations to come.