Shepparton based Prominent Press and Willprint both recently achieved SGP Level 2 certification but from significantly different starting points.

For Prominent Press achieving Level 2 certification in July was the end of an extensive 12 month journey that challenged and replaced their existing procedures with a new approach from management and staff.

Darren Hall, managing director of Prominent Press says while the transformation had involved a lot of work, it had been worthwhile exercise.

He says, “Not only have we reduced our waste and improved our re-cycling procedures, we have refined our energy consumption as well.

“The most pleasing aspect of all has been the keen interest shown by our customers and potential customers throughout the entire project.”

Meanwhile, the Willprint experience was a little different because they achieved SGP Level 2 certification in 2010 and just completed their first annual re-audit to maintain their certification.

Ian Almond, managing director of Willprint says that the company knew that to maintain their certification they would need to show continuous improvement. A strategic purchase with an environment edge proved a key component.

He says, “Installing a Heidelberg Suprasetter Computer-to-Plate system with processless thermal direct aluminium plates dramatically decreased our chemistry consumption and significantly improved our efficiency.

“The additional benefits from caring for the environment, both from a financial and a production perspective should not be overlooked.”

Bruce Lowery, Victorian & Tasmanian SGP co-ordinator for Printing Industries praised the efforts of country printers.

He says, “We now have a growing number of Victorian country printers who have committed themselves to environmental sustainability through this program despite the geographic difficulties they encounter.”

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