Offset Alpine gets green stamp of approval

The internationally recognised ISO 14001 certification was awarded earlier this year with Offset Alpine claiming the first external audit of the system has been completed with glowing reports. Michael Kinninmont, general manager of Offset Alpine, says he hopes the achievement is one that will soon be shared by the rest of the industry.

“We are committed to the principles of environmental responsibility not only to achieve sustainable development for ourselves, but to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable future for the printing industry as a whole. Our aim is to continue to improve our quality and service while having a positive effect on the environment,” says Kinninmont.

ISO 14001 provides guidelines to ensure that environmental management is integrated into the management systems, long term planning and daily operations of any company with the accreditation. To attain the accreditation Offset Alpine had to demonstrate that environmental risks are understood, appropriate controls are in place, performance is constantly checked and that it holds a genuine commitment to improving its sustainability.

Kinninmont says the first step was to assess and analyse all aspects of business, beginning with obtaining raw materials from sustainable sources and also including the prevention of pollution, conservation of energy and the reduction of waste. Following an examination of possible environmental impacts a comprehensive system was developed that incorporated the procedures and training required for the changes.

(Craig Dunsford, NSW sales & client services manager with Garth Hackett, sales and marketing director, displaying the ISO 14001 Certificates)

The next step involved the setting of future plans, objectives and targets by the company’s environmental steering committee, to ensure the effectiveness of the system is continually monitored, assessed and improved.

Katherine Wutke, environmental management representative for Offset Alpine, claims achieving the accreditation must be a systematic process that involves developing an inclusive work culture that is open to change.

“The environmental management system requires constant attention and regular audits to ensure continued compliance and improvement. The culture can only be maintained through consistent effort, training and communication,” she says.

Offset Alpine claims it almost halved its waste to landfill volumes after extending its recycling activities beyond paper. The use of alcohol in its web presses has been eliminated and the company is working closely with an energy consultant to find ways of reducing power consumption.

Installation has commenced on a series of water tanks to capture run-off from the roof area of its Lidcombe plant to be reused in the manufacturing process, and eventually in amenities and other areas.

Wutke has paid tribute to the company’s 430 staff whose commitment to achieving the required changes has been critical to achieving accreditation.

“Our ideal outcome would be for every business in graphic arts to follow our example and work towards the kind of change that will create a better, more sustainable future for the industry and the community in general,” he says.