Philip Andersen, CEO Printing Industries Association of Australia, said, “From the outset, our goal was to develop a system to engage the maximum number of companies able to participate and therefore provide industry-wide environmental credentialing for companies of all sizes.
“While ISO 14001 remains the international standard, not everyone can achieve this in, say 12 to 18 months, and many smaller companies servicing geographically limited markets would not be able to afford the resource commitment and financial cost.
“Our multi level SGP printing industry specific program recognises this and provides a choice of four audited and certified levels beginning from entry level (level 1) and progressing through to Level 3 which prepares a company for its ISO 14001 audit. Level 4, industry leading practise, goes beyond ISO standard for those companies wanting maximum accreditation”.
Paul Nieuwhof, general manager Printing Industries Western Australian, said, “The print industry specialist nature of SGP is such that it actually reduces the cost of achieving ISO 14001 compliance by giving you what you need to know rather than requiring you to spend time and money trying to figure it out yourself. For example, you need to know which environment laws you need to comply with as each state has different requirements. You must know the environmental risks associated with the printing industry and the control measures needed to prevent non-compliance with pollution and other laws and also how to document actions, undertake internal audits and manage the system.
“Sustainable green print provides all that at your fingertips and provides the necessary training and support to make the process as straightforward as possible.”
Nieuwhof said state based training programmes had been completed and would begin around the country during February and March 2009. The levels of environmental compliance are:
LEVEL 1: Introductory level. Ideal for small to medium sized companies starting environmental sustainability compliance.
Level 1 Small Printer: Introductory level for businesses employing 5 people or less.
LEVEL 2: Intermediate level. Lifts ‘the environmental sustainability bar’ and sets your company on track for future ISO 14001 certification.
LEVEL 3: Your company should now be ready to achieve ISO 14001.
LEVEL 4: Industry leading practice for companies wanting maximum environmental accreditation and recognition beyond ISO14001 (Minimum entry level is ISO 14001). Expressions of interest are being accepted for companies wishing to become part of a pilot group to refine best practise environmental management
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter