Western Australia printers push ahead with SGP

Picton Press and PK Print have become the first Western Australian companies to complete Sustainable Green Print (SGP) certification.

Their certification completes the Sustainable Green Print loop nationally with certified companies now in every state after successfully completing training and the independent audit requirements at their chosen levels. Many more are at various stages of training and certification.

Both Picton Press and PK Print achieved SGP Level 2 certification and had previously achieved Green Stamp program certification. Green Stamp is an environmental initiative developed by Printing Industries (WA) in 2003 in conjunction with the Western Australian Department of Environment. It aims to assist small to medium businesses incorporate processes and practices that avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle and dispose of their wastes in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Picton Press participated in the 2003 pilot program achieving the highest Green Stamp certification available. They pride themselves on being one of the country’s leading eco-printers. The company has grown from a three person operation in 1987 to becoming a national and internationally awarded company employing more than 55 people.

General manager, Graham Jamieson, (pictured above) said that working towards national SGP certification had helped the company implement best practice environmental procedures and seek out the most eco-friendly products and equipment.

“As part of the SGP journey we were able to reduce water usage and wastage by up to 90 per cent on prepress computer-to-plate by installing a water recycling tank,” he said.

“We have also identified savings in other areas and now fully understand where we need to be to help achieve sustainable growth. By involving all staff in SGP, the implementation has meant even greater benefits to our workflow benefitting our customers and vendors.”

PK Print achieved the second highest Green Stamp level before embarking on Printing Industries’ national SGP program.

Director, Peter Oxwell, said the decision to focus on environmental performance as a business priority was a big step.

“Achieving Printing Industries’ SGP Level Two has given us real motivation to focus on continued environmental improvement for our business,” he said.

“The benefits have been numerous including better waste management through waste reduction and levels of disposal. SGP is now an everyday part of what we do," Oxwell said.

Pictured: Peter and Heather Oxwell of PK Print proudly display their company's SGP Level 2 certification

Information on SGP is available from any Printing Industries office, or by calling 1800 227 425  or visiting www.sustainablegreenprint.com.au