Bruce Lowery, Victoria and Tasmania member services manager, Printing Industries says the SGP is one of the most influential initiatives to impact the industry in recent years.
Lowery says, “I’ve been intimately involved with the implementation of the SGP program since it began about four years ago. We now have over 40 Victorian and Tasmanian companies who are either already fully certified, or have completed the training and are awaiting their final audit visit.”
He says, “Without exception, all have found that the resulting benefits have exceeded their expectations. Not only have they made their workplaces healthier and safer environmentally, they have also realised significant efficiency and productivity improvements along the way.”
Lowery says that in addition to meeting the growing consumer demand for environmental credentialing, the program gave companies a competitive advantage in a market where printing companies found it hard to differentiate.
He says, “It’s suicidal for companies to try to compete on price. They certainly need to be more innovative, not just with products, but with the way they conduct business. SGP is a widely recognised program meeting community sustainability expectations and positively showcasing the achievements of certified companies and the way those companies do business.”
“Any program that provides significant advantages over your competitors has got to be a worthwhile initiative.”
He says that dramatically reducing energy consumption and wastage, as well significantly improving recycling rates were some of the many benefits achieved.
Most of the SGP trained and certified companies were quick to take full advantage of the marketing/promotional opportunities resulting from their certification Lowery says.
The February Sustainable Green Print training course will be held at Printing Industries Victorian office at Mulgrave. Companies who enrol for Levels One and Two over the two days will be eligible for in-the-field support prior to their onsite audit, which is necessary for final certification. Inquiries to Bruce Lowery on (03) 8541 7304 or email bruce@printnet.com.au
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