GASAA brings Ugra PSO Certification to Australia and New Zealand

A unique partnership between Ugra, the Swiss Centre of Competence for Media and Printing Technology, and GASAA, sets the scene for local PSO certification.

The two groups have just signed an exclusive agreement to promote and audit Ugra PSO Certification throughout the region. Garry Knespal, executive officer of GASAA, will lead the regional Ugra audit team.

"I am excited about taking a lead role in promoting the Ugra PSO certification to those print firms seeking this highest recognition," he said.

"Ugra is a great fit for GASAA as we build our capabilities to help the industry with print, environmental and business standards."

This is the first time that Ugra has appointed an industry organisation to promote auditor arrangements on its behalf. According to GASAA president, Luke Everingham, the deal will have a number of benefits for printers across Australia and New Zealand.

"The arrangements now in place with Ugra is another major step in GASAA's efforts to help the industry embrace international standards," he said.

Everingham hopes that Ugra certification can complement GASAA's recently launched Environmental Management Course. "The association is taking much of the leg work out for graphic communications businesses wishing to adopt ISO standard practices and promote themselves accordingly," he said.