SGP Partnership, an authority in sustainable printing facility certifications, has announced that 2021 was a pivotal year for sustainability in the printing industry with many new SGP certified facilities, renewed certifications and companies becoming part of the SGP community.

The SGP sustainability certification is the core of the all-volunteer non-profit’s work. Facilities must meet the rigorous certification requirements and comprehensive facility audit evaluating the three areas of sustainability – people, planet and profit. They utilize the highly acclaimed cloud-based SGP Impact Tracker to report and monitor progress on all sustainability metrics from carbon footprint to illness and injuries.

As of January 1, 2022, SGP sustainability certification is open for print industry supplier facilities.

Facilities that were newly certified in 2021 included:

• Fortis Solutions Group, Merced, CA
• Meyers, Minneapolis, MN
• Polaris Direct, Hooksett, NH
• Shutterfly, Plano, TX
• Shutterfly, Shakopee, MN
• Shutterfly, Tempe, AZ
• Smyth Companies, Minneapolis, MN

The following facilities were re-certified included:

• Bay Tech Label, St. Petersburg, FL
• Bolger, Minneapolis, MN
• Brant In Store, Brantford, ON, Canada
• DPRINT, Lakeland, FL
• Emmerson Packaging, Amherst, NS, Canada
• Forge Graphic Works, Portland, OR
• Image Options, Foothill Ranch, CA
• Imtech Graphics, Carlstadt, NJ
• Infinity Images, Portland, OR
• Shawmut Communications Group, Peabody, MA
• Specialty, East Windsor, CT
• Taylor Visual Impressions, Beaverton, OR
• Tweddle Group, Clinton Township, MI
• US Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC
• Walmart Print Solutions, Bentonville, AR
• Yunker Industries, Inc., Elkhorn, WI

“In addition to certifications and re-certifications, by the end of 2021 there were more than 50 facilities starting the certification process, including our first supplier facility,” says Doreen Monteleone, SGP treasurer and Flexographic Technical Association representative. “Our entire SGP Community of printers, suppliers, print buyers and supporters is well engaged. With our rigorous printer certification for sustainability, together we continue to elevate sustainability best practices in the printing industry.

“The interest in being part of the SGP Community- certified, patron, brand leader and resource partner grows each year and continues to make us a stronger organization. As retailers and consumers demand sustainable supply chains, SGP provides independent validation of sustainability metrics via our facility certification,” adds Monteleone. “The increased engagement reflects all our commitments to creating a more sustainable future.”