Open to all offset print shops that have at least one operating sheet-fed press, the competition is now running and closes on July 31 2008. Heidelberg says that the size, origin, and number of the operating printing presses is not important, nor is the volume of production at the print shop.

Large full-service print shops with prepress, printing, post press, and dispatch may participate, as may the smallest business with just one printing press without prepress and/or post press. Print shops from all over the world may take part, and any printing materials may be used (paper, cardboard, or foils).

Glenn Plummer- general manager of marketing and product management for HAN – sees this competition as great opportunity for printers to raise their Eco profile. “More and more Australian and New Zealand printers are differentiating themselves as ecologically responsible enterprises – while print buyers and users are becoming more aware of purchasing products produced in greener ways. This competition is one way Heidelberg can support customers that embrace an environmental ethos and sustainable production in their business and also raises our image as a supplier that uses sustainable practices in our day to day operations.”

The major prize will be awarded for innovative and outstanding sustainable achievements made by companies and technologies and also products and organizations worldwide.

The company says the 2008 awards will focus on responsible management of resources and energy, climate protection, and environmentally friendly management.

An independent jury will award the major prize for the most sustainably managed print shop to the one that, in the judges’ opinion, is the best of the overall solutions submitted. In addition, there will be up to three winners for sustainable and innovative individual solutions from the proposals submitted. Winners will receive monetary prizes, which will be presented in December 2008.

Application forms and details about the awards, especially relating to judging criteria, can be downloaded at http://www.heidelberg.com/www/html/en/startPage

Printers interested in entering the competition should contact email Ingrid Amon-Tran at ingrid.amon-tran@heidelberg.com

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