Shepparton Goes Green

Country-based printing companies are as keen as their city cousins to get Sustainable Green Print (SGP) environmental certification as recently demonstrated by the achievements of two Victorian printers.
Shepparton based Prominent Press and Willprint both recently achieved SGP Level 2 certification but from significantly different starting points.

For Prominent Press achieving Level 2 certification in July was the end of an extensive 12-month journey that challenged and replaced their existing procedures with a new approach from management and staff.

Darren Hall, managing director of Prominent Press says that while the transformation had involved a lot of work, it had been very worthwhile. “Not only have we reduced our waste and improved our re-cycling procedures, we have refined our energy consumption as well.

“The most pleasing aspect of all has been the keen interest shown by our customers and potential customers throughout the entire project," he said.

The Willprint experience was a little different because they achieved SGP Level 2 certification in 2010 and just completed their first annual re-audit to maintain their certification.

Pictured: SGP Auditor Simon Leverton with Willprint’s Environmental Co-ordinator Marshall Henderson.


Ian Almond, managing director, WIllprint Shepparton, says the company knew that to maintain it's certification they would need to show continuous improvement. A strategic purchase with an environment edge proved a key component.

“Installing a Heidelberg Suprasetter Computer-to-Plate system with processless thermal direct aluminium plates dramatically decreased our chemistry consumption and significantly improved our efficiency,” he said.

“The additional benefits from caring for the environment, both from a financial and a production perspective should not be overlooked.”

Printing Industries Victorian & Tasmanian SGP co-ordinator Bruce Lowery praised the efforts of country printers.

“We now have a growing number of Victorian country printers who have committed themselves to environmental sustainability through this program despite the geographic difficulties they encounter,” he said.
“It’s pleasing to see them reaping the rewards.”

For information on the SGP program please call 1800 227 425 to contact your local Printing Industries office or visit www.sustainablegreenprint.com.au.

Victoria has scheduled SGP courses for levels 1 and 2 on 5 and 12 October. NSW has scheduled courses for 10 and 11 November 2011.