Pittsburgh, PA, March 21 2008 -- The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP Partnership) revealed the much anticipated criteria on how  to become a sustainable, green printer at the National Environmental Health and Safety Conference (NEHS) last week in Indianapolis, IN.

Announced at the NEHS Conference general session on March 12, the criteria will guide printers on their journey toward sustainability. Printers who meet these requirements and are verified will be listed on the SGP Partnership registry website (www.SGPPartnership.org), which can be used as a resource for print buyers.

Two Categories of SGP Registration

There will be two categories of registration -- Candidate Pending Verification (CPV) and SGP Printer. The CPV category will give a facility a twelve-month timeframe in which to meet all criteria for becoming an SGP Printer. Facilities that already meet the criteria for being an SGP Printer may bypass the CPV category and apply for recognition under that category. Among other requirements, SGP Printers will have to complete an annual progress report and will be subjected to periodic verification by an accredited third party.  

Sustainability is Not Just About the Environment

It is important that printers understand that sustainability encompasses more than just environmental issues. Corporate social responsibility is another major component. As a result, the criteria are based on all three key elements of sustainability -- people, planet, and profits.

Beta Testing and Feedback

The criteria will be beta tested during the upcoming months and modifications will be made, as needed, prior to the registry launch this summer. If you are interested in viewing the criteria, please visit the SGP Partnership website and refer to the Registration Program document on the "Become

an SGP Printer" page. SGP has set up a comment section on the website and is encouraging the printing community and other interested parties to provide feedack on the criteria during the beta-testing phase of the project. Comments will be accepted until April 18, 2008.