The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP Partnership), a collaborative effort founded by the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), and Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), officially opened the application process for printers to become registered SGP Printers. Registered printers will be listed on a registry for print buyers and customers to use when searching for sustainable green printers.

Printing facilities are now invited to complete and submit a self-assessment application accompanied by supporting documentation that demonstrates compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements as well as meeting the established criteria. The criteria for being listed on the SGP registry as a green and sustainable printer, announced and beta tested earlier this year, are listed on the SGP Partnership registry website (www.sgppartnership.org). Candidates can easily apply online by going to the Become an SGP Printer page of the website.

The SGP Partnership’s definition of sustainability encompasses more than just environmental issues. Corporate social responsibility is another major component. As a result, the criteria are based on the three key elements of sustainability--people, planet, and profits.

In addition, the partner associations are holding a webinar titled “Green & Sustainable Printing: Your Roadmap to SGP Recognition” on October 2, 2008 from 2pm – 3:30pm EDT. This webinar is aimed at providing printers with an opportunity to learn more about how to begin this new recognitions process, what it means to be a sustainable green printer, the requirements and criteria for SGP recognition, the application procedure, and what to expect during an SGP audit. The cost for members of partner associations is $99 and $199 for non-members. For more information contact Doreen Monteleone, FTA director of special projects and EHS, 631-737-6020 ext. 30.

For more information on criteria or the application process, visit www.SGPpartnership.org.

About the SGP Partnership: The SGP Partnership is an independent  third-party registration organization formed in June 2007 as a collaboration between PIA/GATF, FTA , and SGIA with the primary goals of defining sustainable green printing and identifying steps that help the printing industry establish sustainable (or green) manufacturing and business practices. Additional support has been provided by the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM).