Play Your Part: The Role Of Businesses and The Impact Of SGP Certification

As climate concerns grow, businesses across all sectors are recognising the need to reduce their environmental impact. Today’s consumers expect brands to be eco-conscious to echo their values, and companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability often gain a competitive edge. For businesses in the print, packaging, and visual communications industries, the Sustainable Green Print (SGP) certification program is setting the standard for responsible print practices.?

The SGP framework offers a clear path to achieving environmental goals, helping businesses reduce their impact while meeting the rising demands for eco-friendly operations. Here’s why embracing environmental responsibility is crucial for businesses today, and how SGP certification empower print businesses to lead the charge.?

The Growing Call for Environmental Accountability?

Today’s consumers are more informed than ever and are prioritising sustainability in their purchase decisions. Nearly 8 in 10 consumers state that a brand’s commitment to the environment plays a crucial role in their decision to purchase. Meanwhile, 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices would deter them from supporting a brand. As the global conversation around climate change intensifies, businesses are being called upon to do their part by minimising their carbon footprint and operating sustainably.?

For print and packaging companies, this means implementing environmentally sound production processes. Although this may seem overwhelming, SGP provides a practical, structured framework to guide companies toward sustainability. The program not only simplifies compliance with environmental regulations but also enhances efficiency and reduces costs.?

SGP: A Framework for Sustainable Business Practices?

SGP is an industry-specific environmental certification program managed by the Print & Visual Communication Association (PVCA) . This certification shows that a business is committed to adopting sustainable practices and improving operational efficiency. By participating, print businesses develop Environmental Management Systems (EMS) tailored to their specific environmental risks and needs, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.?

The program is designed to support businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey. With three distinct levels of certification, companies can gradually improve their practices.?

• Level 1: focused on waste, recycling, storage, and handling, SGP level 1 is perfect for small businesses looking to start their environmental compliance efforts. It covers the essentials, from record-keeping and waste management to cleaner production practices.?
• Level 2: introduces the tracking of waste streams and incorporates an emphasis on energy consumption and carbon footprint. At level 2, businesses take greater strides in managing energy use, water consumption, and incident management, allowing them to improve their environmental impact while tracking performance indicators.?
• Level 3: at the highest level, businesses develop a fully operational EMS that maximises the benefits of the SGP program. Level 3 prepares companies for ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognised standard for environmental management.?

These levels provide a flexible roadmap for continuous improvement, allowing businesses to progress at their own pace while meeting the growing demands of environmentally conscious consumers.?

SGP Certification: Benefits for Business?

Beyond environmental impact, SGP certification offers a range of benefits for businesses. Here’s how certification can give companies an advantage:?

1. Enhanced Brand Image: with more consumers seeking sustainable brands, having SGP certification enhances credibility and signals a company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.?
2. Operational Efficiency: by reducing waste, conserving energy, and managing resources more effectively, businesses can cut costs and improve overall productivity.?
3. Regulatory Compliance: SGP helps businesses navigate complex environmental regulation, ensuring they remain compliant with relevant laws and avoid potential penalties.?
4. Waste Reduction: implementing cleaner production practices, such as recycling and waste minimisation, reduce both a company’s environmental footprint and operational costs.?

Helping Businesses Lead the Way in Sustainability?

One of the key strengths of SGP is its flexibility. Whether you’re a small business starting your sustainability journey or a large enterprise scaling up your efforts, SGP provides the tools and support necessary to meet your environmental goals.?

At Kwik Kopy, we’re proud to be an industry leader in sustainable printing. Our network of certified centres regularly conduct self-audits to ensure compliance with the environmental standards set out by SGP, reinforcing our commitment to responsible business practices.?

Your Role in Environmental Responsibility?

Sustainability is a shared effort that requires participation from consumers and companies alike. Businesses must make conscious choices to prioritise eco-friendly operations, whether that means reducing waste, adopting energy-efficient technologies, or obtaining environmental certifications like SGP. These actions will not only protect the planet, but drive influence within the business community and appeal to a growing customer base that values corporate responsibility.

As consumers, we can also play an essential role by supporting companies that align with our environmental values. Choosing businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability – whether through eco-friendly packaging, carbon-neutral operations, or certifications like SGP – helps push industries toward greener practices.?

The choices we make today will pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. You can learn more about how we at Kwik Kopy are driving environmental responsibility in print in our Environmental Statement – read on here!?