Commercial printers in Queensland are receiving a helping hand to cut down on their water, energy and waste and other environmental impacts through a new State Government-funded program. Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones today launched the Sustainable Green Print program in Brisbane which will help printers go green.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Commercial printers in Queensland are receiving a helping hand to cut down on their water, energy and waste and other environmental impacts through a new State Government-funded program.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones today launched the Sustainable Green Print program in Brisbane which will help printers go green.
She said it would also make it easier for customers to seek out environmentally-friendly printers.
“Printing companies can not only develop sustainable practices but can now promote their green credentials to the increasing number of customers who want to make the right environmentally-friendly choices,” Ms Jones said.
“The certification program will also help companies realise the economic and competitive advantages in being green.
“This is a great branding tool for green printers.”
The Printing Industry Association of Australia developed the program with $59,000 in State Government funding.
The Sustainable Green Print program helps and encourages printers to improve their environmental performance and establishes four levels of certification to recognise the differing environmental credentials of various printers.Each certification level increases the environmental standards required.
The standards cover key environmental impacts such as water, energy and waste management.
Ms Jones said the information would be valuable for clients when considering tenders for printing contracts.
A number of print companies have already provided strong proof of the financial benefits of going green,” she said.
“In just over a year, GoPrint – the official printer for the Queensland Government – has reduced its water, energy and waste-collection costs by more than $54,000 annually and cut its carbon emissions almost 1,000 tonnes. That’s the equivalent of taking 220 cars off the road for a year.
“It’s achieved these savings through a range of measures such as installing low-emission printing presses and introducing technologies that require less water, chemicals and other potentially dangerous materials.”
Ms Jones said another company, Queensland Complete Printing Services on the Sunshine Coast, had achieved impressive results through a different approach.
“It’s introduced several basic strategies such as turning off equipment when not being used and changing to low-energy lighting while also employing more significant measures.
“It now purchases 100 per cent green energy, uses only biodegradable soy-based inks, collects all chemical waste for recycling, uses only water harvested from its roof in the printing process and has introduced a strong internal waste reduction program.”
Ms Jones said that in recognition of its achievements since it initiated its ‘green’ program in 2007, this company had recently won the State government’s 2009 Corporate Sustainability Award.
“I encourage printing companies to embrace the program and, not only help the planet, but help their business,” she said.
Printers can visit www.printnet.com.au to find out how to participate in the Sustainable Green Program.
Customers will soon be able to visit the same website to identify their nearest environmentally-friendly commercial printer.
30 June, 2009 MEDIA CONTACT: 3336 8002
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