Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, today announces that Earth Friendly Products' Addison, IL-based print facility is SGP Certified. Earth Friendly Products is a manufacturer of more than 150 environmentally sound and effective cleaning products that are safe for people, pets, and the planet. The in-plant print facility supplies collateral and custom labeling to its five manufacturing plants nationwide. The facility meets SGP's certification requirements for a sustainable printing operation, including establishing a sustainability management system and implementing best practices in sustainability.

Earth Friendly Products views itself as a company with an ethical and civic obligation to safeguard the natural environment. SGP Certification has encouraged the company to establish physical environments and organizational practices that are conducive to promoting the health, well-being, and effectiveness of its people. Earth Friendly Products strongly encourages its clients, partners, and customers to do the same.

"SGP Certification is a valuable educational tool for those who are more and more frequently asked to partner with their clients on sustainability programs," comments Dr. Nadereh Afsharmanesh, Director of Sustainability, Earth Friendly Products. "Our company operates in harmony with the planet. We aim to be part of the solution to the many environmental challenges that we all face."

"The Certification of Earth Friendly Products reinforces the company's commitment to providing environmentally responsible products," comments Gary Jones, Chairman of the SGP Technical Committee. "Becoming SGP certified is a strong statement, as it demonstrates that Earth Friendly Products is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to operating a sustainable business."

For its four-color work, Earth Friendly Products uses the Heidelberg Quick Master 46/4 Direct Imaging waterless offset press. It uses no chemistry in plate development, and no fountain solutions; any printing plates are recycled silicone. The company also utilizes a Ryobi 512/2 color conventional press that uses a petrochemical-free fountain solution, a 1967 rebuilt 360 A.B. Dick with pillow blocks converted to accept a .008 poly plate, a Kompak damp system, and petrochemical- and alcohol-free Heidelberg fountain solutions. Conventional plates are poly-based and set on a Heidelberg Quicksetter. During the printing process, petrochemical free BIO-LOCITY by Superior Inks is exclusively used. Low VOC Press washes are manufactured by Explorer Pressroom Solutions.