Loveland, Ohio - The Sustainable Green Printing (SGP) Partnership officially expands its certification program to include Binding, Finishing, and Loose Leaf (BFLL) operations in the graphic communications industry. By including the BFLL community in the certification program, SGP offers this sector a clear definition of sustainability with the certification criteria and a method to demonstrate it in their operations. The expansion of SGP's certification program to include the BFLL community is in line with the organization's goal to define sustainability for all segments of the graphic communications industry. The public comment period for the BFLL certification criteria ended in late June,and SGP is now formally accepting applications from companies in this sector.

"Both the Binding Industries Association and the Foil and Specialty Effects Association played an important role in developing the BFLL certification criteria. We look forward to working with them as we roll out this program," states Marci Kinter, Chair of the SGP Partnership Board of Directors. "With the launch of this certification program, SGP is well on its way to defining sustainability for the entire graphic communications industry."

Currently, printing facilities located in the United States and Canada are eligible to apply for certification with the SGP Partnership. To become an SGP-certified facility, a facility must demonstrate conformance with criteria that require a holistic approach to sustainability and must pass an onsite audit. SGP-certified facilities are assigned a certification number and logo for use on their finished products.