Printing Industries Western Australia Region is pioneering an environmental accreditation program that will reward participants with a new competitive advantage. The program has the potential for national adoption in the printing industry.
Printing industries Green Stamp Program began in December 2003 with the appointment of a co-ordinator to the Western Australia Regional office by the WA Department of Environment. In mid 2006 Printing Industries was successful in having scheme funding extended for the further three years.
The main objective of this initial program was to set up and work with a trial group to establish the environmental impacts on the industry and to benchmark current best practice environmental management.
This information will provide the framework for developing specific draft accreditation criteria. The WA region has established a trial 10-member group of printing businesses including offset printers, label makers, envelope makers, mass brochure production, and prepress.
The initial survey information will go to the trial group before being made available to the industry. It will provide baseline information focusing on quantifying waste, energy and recycling to set a benchmark for program development.
A list of suppliers and distributors will be created highlighting their environmental credentials. The program will continue to provide support to Printing Industries WA members to implement the Green Stamp accreditation and encourage the industry to work towards implementing best practice environmental management and cleaner production initiatives.
Green Stamp Objectives
- Develop the Green Stamp network into a 'pseudo-industry' group for SME's focusing exclusively on environmental issues. This will include the establishment of a working group with representatives from the participating industry groups, government and relevant tertiary and training institutions.
- To develop the Green Stamp program into the primary point of contact for Western Australia's 185,000 SME's, providing sector specific information and resources tailored to their individual needs.
- Encourage government procurement policies to recognise and favour Green Stamp Accredited businesses.
- Encourage broad community recognition and support for Green Stamp Accredited businesses.
Printing Industries discussions with Department of Premier and Cabinet have helped reinforce the need for government to support businesses and industries that are active in improving their environmental performance over and above what the regulations are.
For more information contact Printing Industries Western Australia office or visit the Western Australian Department of Environment Green Stamp Website.
Green Stamp Program Information
The criteria used to certify printing businesses under the Green Stamp program have been developed to address real issues of concern within the industry. Information on these criteria, the certification process and more background to the program can be found here.
Baseline Assessment for Printing Businesses
(pdf - 12.6 kb)
The Baseline Environmental Assessment has been specifically designed to: (a) act as a preliminary survey; (b) assist businesses in gaining a better understanding of their legal obligations and requirements; and (c) 'benchmark' the environmental criteria and actions that will be assessed.
Guidance Notes
Relating to everyday practices and issues within the printing industry are available below, as is an environmental directory listing some of the companies that are available to help manage the common wastes produced by those in the printing industry. The information resources have been developed specifically for the printing industry.
Chemical and Ink Management
(pdf - 46 kb)
Environmental Guidelines for printers on using products without harmful chemicals.
Environmental Law (pdf - 48 kb)
Environmental Guidelines for printers on their environmental requirements and obligations.
Protecting Stormwater Drains (pdf - 43 kb)
Environmental Guidelines for printers on careless disposal of wastewater and toxic chemicals down stormwater drains.Solid Waste Management (pdf - 49 kb)
Environmental Guidelines for printers on disposal of large quantities of waste to landfill in Western Australia.
Wastewater Management (pdf - 48 kb)
Environmental Guidelines for printers on correct Wastewater disposal practices. Environmental Product and Services Directory (pdf - 94 kb)
This directory has been compiled by the Green Stamp Program to assist printing business owners and managers in identifying the waste management contractors and product providers that can help them implement their environmental management initiatives.
Products and Services Directory
Environmental Product and Services Directory (pdf - 94 kb)This directory has been compiled by the Green Stamp Program to assist printing business owners and managers in identifying the waste management contractors and product providers that can help them implement their environmental management initiatives.
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