Osterode, Germany plant earns ISO 50001:2011 certification by implementing system for improved energy efficiency results 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Demonstrating its continued commitment to sustainability, Kodak has voluntarily completed ISO 50001:2011 certification at its state-of-the-art plate manufacturing plant in Osterode, Germany. On behalf of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards, independent auditor UL DQS Inc. has officially certified that Kodak’s Osterode plant has implemented and maintains an energy management system.

This recent certification is just one of many Kodak investments in the Osterode plant. Recently, Kodak announced that it would be expanding manufacturing capacity in Osterode to meet global demand of the KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates. This process-free technology, which completely removes the chemical processing step for plate making, is yet another example of growing company momentum in the pursuit of enhanced sustainability.

“We are very pleased that our Kodak Osterode plant has added to its credentials as a world class example of sustainability,” said Robert Price, general manager of worldwide plate operations. “With the combination of the added manufacturing capacity for SONORA Plates and the attainment of ISO 50001:2011 certification, the plant is set up for improved energy efficiency, lower production costs and overall business improvement.  We congratulate our Osterode team for its recent efforts, and inclusion in this elite class of certification holders.”

The goal of ISO 50001:2011 is to help organizations effectively integrate energy management into their overall efforts to improve quality and environmental management. The certification is an acknowledgement that an effective framework of requirements is in place to make more efficient use of energy, including the establishment of improvement targets and the use of data to better understand and make decisions about energy use. The certification is unique in that it highlights both the implementation of a system for continuous improvement and the attainment of energy efficiency results. 

To secure ISO 50001:2011 certification, the team engaged in a competitive cross-functional effort that drove heightened vigilance prior to the certification inspection. The certification process began with the gathering of baseline data about the facility’s energy usage, followed by the implementation of new controls and processes and the incorporation of operational software for modeling and interpretation.

Commentary by Cary Sherburne

It is gratifying to see companies like Kodak working hard to deliver more environmentally sustainable solutions for our industry.  Not only is the removal of chemistry important, but the company has also taken a more holistic approach to sustainability at the Osterode plant with its voluntary ISO certification with a goal of providing a manufacturing environment that delivers improved energy efficiency, lower production costs and overall business improvement.

There appears to be more demand for this type of approach in Europe than in North America, and there are, of course, a number of regulatory differences.  However, the SONORA plate is being delivered globally, and has the potential to significantly impact the amount of chemistry required to produce offset printing as more printers adopt this and other processless platemaking technology.

This is just one more step in the right direction of keeping print competitive and a viable option for business communications.