GREEN scene
INDUSTRY NEWS
The International Standards Organization (ISO) technical committee 130 (TC 130) recently launched a new Working Group (WG), WG11, to develop a set of standards to cover the environmental impact of printing. The group's mission is closely aligned with that of the Verdigris Project, the not-for-profit print environmental research initiative run by Digital Dots.
WG11 is currently working on ISO draft 16759, the requirements for measuring the carbon footprint of printed products. Commenting on the new Working Group, Laurel Brunner, Verdigris founder, said, "Standards work is time-consuming, unforgiving, unrelenting and unpaid, so it's no surprise that printers and publishers are reluctant to do their bit. However, the work has a profound and long-lasting impact on the industry's competitiveness."
According to Brunner, the goal of WG11 is to have the new standard complete by Drupa 2012.
PRINTER NEWS
Carol Stream, IL-based Copresco, which specializes in digital on-demand printing of books, manuals and publications, has reduced its energy consumption by replacing an outdated halide lighting system throughout its 14,000-square-foot digital printing plant. The new 5,000 Kelvin fluorescent light fixtures save more than 6,300 kilowatts per month.
Astro-Dynamic Print & Graphic Services, Warminster, PA, is constructing a solar photovoltaic system consisting of more than 250 solar panels on the roof of its building.
The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) recently won the Best Public Office Building Recycling Program Award, which recognizes a business or agency that is leading the charge to make its environmental footprint in Washington, DC, more sustainable.
NOW CERTIFIED
Dupli-Systems, a trade-only commercial printer and business forms manufacturer in Cleveland, has achieved FSC certification.
Three members of the Strategic Print Alliance have earned FSC certification under the multi-site chain-of-custody program: Bradley Graphic Solutions, Bensalem, PA; Printgraphics, Nevada, IA; and Wright Business Graphics, Portland, OR.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Konica Minolta has launched its Clean Planet recycling program to provide easy and cost-free consumables recycling for its customers.
Domtar was ranked 95th on Newsweek's second annual Green Rankings, which quantified companies' environmental footprints, policies and reputation. Domtar has also received a NAMMU Environmental Award for industry leadership and best management practices for its "Paper Because" campaign.
INX International Ink's EcoTech TC sheetfed inks have earned verification and certification through the EcoLogo environmental standard program.
The American Forest & Paper Association presented its Environmental & Energy Achievement Award to Finch Paper.
Fujifilm Dimatix received the New Hampshire Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention. Dimatix eliminated more than 2,100 gallons/year of isopropyl alcohol by using a vapor deposition method to replace a wet bath process. It also installed capacitors on its electric motors. PI
