The Digital Imaging Association offered members and guests an informative session on becoming a Sustainable Printer. Sustainability is a journey, not a destination—there is always something more you can do. The discussion was lead by Judy Zaczkowski, Vice President of Envision Compliance, who is a Doctor of Industrial Technology. As a partner and co-founder of Envision Compliance, she has been involved in helping Printing and Imaging companies attain government compliance in pollution prevention, environmental initiatives, and workplace health and safety projects for close to 20 years.
A Sustainable Corporation
What does it mean to be a Sustainable Printer, and how do you become one? A sustainable corporation is one that creates profit for its shareholders while protecting the environment and improving the lives of those with whom it interacts.
Why consider sustainability? Realistically, it’s time for a change. We’ve spent too much time saying, “Do this because the polar bears are dying.” Instead, we need to say, “Do this because it brings about success and happiness in our business and our families.” So, just what role does business have to play in sustainability? The bottom line is—the bottom line. Zaczkowski advised that sustainability is consistent with profit. If you’re looking after your people and taking care of the planet but you’re not profitable, then your company won’t be there to perpetuate your initiatives. In fact, said Zaczkowski, the process toward sustainability can and should deliver profitability as well. She provided insight into the 5 steps toward becoming a profitable and sustainable printer.
Take a good look at your company. Review your existing regulatory compliance record and your process for tabulating your record. Also be sure to evaluate your employee relations, as their actions are imperative to your success. The way you treat your staff is an important component of sustainability. Consider stakeholder impact internally and externally. Most importantly, consider just who your stakeholders are, your dependence upon them, and their ability to affect your business.
You must also realistically assess whether your competitors are working toward sustainability, and more importantly, how you can use your own initiative to competitive advantage. Zaczkowski’s presentation defined these objectives and set out a definitive approach to mapping them.
Initially, you will be mapping your process inputs and their relevant outputs. For example, your digital printing press inputs are electricity, substrate, ink, solvent, wiper rags. The ensuing outputs are carbon dioxide, waste substrate, waste ink, waste ink container, soiled wipers/rags, waste solvent container, and VOCs from ink/solvent. Assessing the environmental impact of your output benchmarks your starting point and helps you to create your objectives.
Create your plan of action. Form a team, establish what to measure and how, review the assessment to identify the areas of concern, and then plan for success. Zaczkowski suggests you start with low cost and easy-to-remedy areas—aim for early successes. Be sure, said Zaczkowski, that your action plan includes realistic timeframes for each of the activities and assigns responsibilities.
Implement your action plan. Now you’re ready to convert planning to doing. The first important step is to train staff who have responsibility for the plan or who can affect its outcome. Monitor progress, including conducting periodic interim measurements.
Evaluate, revise, renew. Did your company achieve the defined objective and target? If the plan wasn’t successful, is the objective still relevant? Is the target achievable? What changes are required to make the plan work to achieve the objective and the target? Aim for continuous improvement—continually create new objectives and targets. Create and implement new action plans.
Tell the story. Let people know what you’ve done. Celebrate your successes with your employees. Let your stakeholders know what you’ve accomplished. Tell your competitors—raise the bar.
The future is yours, concluded Zaczkowski. She encourages companies to develop a vision that includes sustainability as a core operating principle. And you don’t need to do it alone. There are resources available, including
- trade associations
- presentations, meetings, publications
- the internet
- competitors
- suppliers
- consultants
- books
Use all resources wisely to achieve your goals. Each person and each company can make a difference.