July 1, 2013—The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) congratulates members Starflex Packaging of Pointe-Aux-Trembles, QC, Canada and The Robinette Company of Bristol, TN for being among the two of the most recent facilities to become certified as Sustainable Green Printers (SGP) by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.
An active member of FTA for seven years, Starflex Packaging is a manufacturer of flexible packaging for the food and pharmaceutical industries, and specializes in high-end and high-definition wide web flexographic printing. With SGP Certification, Starflex Packaging reinforces its leadership position within the flexographic printing community through validated, sustainable operations and quality products.
“Starflex Packaging is committed to environmental protection. Through the SGP Certification process, we have found better, eco-friendly alternatives to our daily processes and frequently-used products,” states Jacques Perrault, plant director, Starflex Packaging Inc. “We are committed to help create a safer and cleaner tomorrow for future generations.”
At Starflex Packaging, SGP certification serves as a catalyst for innovation in design and production by requiring the facility to enhance the sustainability of its operations without sacrificing quality. Starflex Packaging implements the latest techniques to address pollution prevention and carbon footprint minimization. For example, the facility has replaced harmful solvents with eco-friendly and biodegradable solutions that enable the company to simultaneously reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas formation. As a result of implementing these sustainable measures, Starflex Packaging enhances the appeal of its customers’ products. The facility also holds ISO 140001 certification for environmental management.
The Robinette Company has been a FTA member for more than 20 years and is a full-service, award-winning flexographic printer and converter of flexible films and paper. By gaining SGP certification, The Robinette Company affirms its commitment to sustainability while enacting best practices for reducing its environmental footprint.
Continuous improvement is a requirement of SGP certification and is one of the central tenets of Robinette’s sustainability policy. The facility protects the environment through the implementation of various initiatives, including solid waste reduction and measurable performance goals. SGP’s comprehensive criteria for Certification build upon these objectives by setting high standards that surpass established regulation. Robinette documents its progress in accordance with these standards through the adoption of new, targeted efforts that help to improve its sustainability program.
“SGP is mutually beneficial to our employees, our company, and the environment,” comments Dan Robinette, Compliance Manager, The Robinette Company. “While improving internally, we are excited to share our experiences and improvements with other SGP members and learn from theirs to have an overall bigger impact throughout the industry.”
“We are very proud that members of the flexographic printing community are taking proactive steps to validate their sustainability efforts,” comments Doreen M. Monteleone, director of EHS at Flexographic Technical Association and SGP board member. “Our members recognize the return on investment and importance of being part of a sustainable initiative.”
“FTA has been a proud supporter of SGP since its inception nearly five years ago. Our members receive assistance to help them through the SGP certification process. Recently, we also established a mentoring program for peer-to-peer interactions. Our members that have already attained certification provide insight and advice to companies that are working through the criteria,” adds FTA/FFTA President Mark Cisternino.
For more information, contact Doreen Monteleone at 631-737-6020.
About SGP Partnership: SGP is a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry. The organization promotes reducing the environmental impact and increasing the social responsibility through sustainable green printing practices. To receive SGP Certification, print facilities go well beyond compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. They establish sustainability management systems, implement best practices, and commit to continuous improvements in sustainability. Certified facilities are also required to report on progress annually. For more information about the SGP Partnership, the SGP Patron program, or the SGP certification process, visit www.sgppartnership.org.
About FTA/FFTA: Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), chartered in 1958, is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community—printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others–together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns. It is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes 1,300 member sites that represent more than 50,000 individuals. Foundation of FTA, founded in 1974, is the educational arm of FTA and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the flexographic printing industry.