Agfa Graphics Expands Its GreenWorks Environmental Awards Program

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ—April 20, 2012—Agfa Graphics announced that it has expanded its GreenWorks Environmental Recognition Awards program to include users of its newest eco-friendly printing plates :Azura Vi and :N94-VCF.

Concerns over the environment have encouraged companies to adapt greener practices. In support of this crucial shift, Agfa Graphics created the Environmental Recognition Awards Program in 2007. Now in its fifth year, the program recognizes and honors printers that integrate, support and promote environmentally-sound practices.

Curtis Packaging of Sandy Hook, CT, is a user of Agfa Graphics’ :Energy Elite plates. They won the GreenWorks award for their significant dedication and policies regarding sustainable practices. The folding cartons Curtis produces are sourced from sustainably managed forests, responsibly manufactured and easily recyclable.

“We are proud to be a member of the GreenWorks program. It is great to work with a vendor who shares our dual passion for high quality printing and environmental stewardship,” said Beth Scherer, Director of Sustainability, Curtis Packaging. “Our partnership with Agfa Graphics helps us to provide the best and most sustainable products for our customers.”

To date, Agfa Graphics has recognized almost 200 printers from the United States and Canada for their green printing efforts and other initiatives to reduce waste and save natural resources. To receive recognition from the Agfa Graphics GreenWorks program, print service providers and newspapers must use one of the following eco-friendly plates:

• :Azura TS - a thermal, negative-working, chemistry-free plate for low/medium volume commercial printing
• :Amigo TS - low-chemistry ThermoFuse plates
• :Energy Elite - high speed, high quality thermal, no-bake plates for long run performance
• :Azura Vi - the first violet plate for commercial printers designed for chemistry-free operation
• :N94-VCF - violet chemistry-free plate for newspaper production

Printers must also promote cleaner and more efficient printing practices and be involved in eco-friendly efforts such as recycling, waste reduction programs or use of alternative energy sources in their facilities.

Agfa Graphics provides GreenWorks members with marketing support materials to promote green efforts on their websites, in direct mail campaigns or other advertising opportunities. The GreenWorks winners are listed on Graphic Design USA magazine’s website. To see a full listing of GreenWorks printers, visit www.gdusa.com/agfa.