Finding sustainable business partners

As sustainability becomes a criterion for working or not working with a potential vendor, the challenge many companies face is determining if that provider is truly sustainable. Whether you're in a reprographics shop or a corporate engineering/architectural print environment, it can be tough to separate reality from hyperbole. Fortunately, there are certain "markers" to look for when you're seeking sustainable business partners. Look for a history of sustainable practices, a commitment to recycling, efforts to give parts and products a "second life," energy efficient engineering, a forward-looking approach to waste and emissions handling, compliance with sustainability regulations, and any awards that recognize the company for environmentally responsible business practices.

Looking to the past to see the future

Ironically, while sustainability is about the future, one of the best ways to determine if a company is truly sustainable is to look at its history. Is sustainability a fashionable mantle that the company has suddenly donned? Or has sustainability been part of its DNA for years? Look for a company that can demonstrate sustainable business practices—before it was fashionable to do so. What are some key indicators? Consider companies that have taken steps to reduce the use of toxic materials, that designs sustainability into new products, and reduces, recycles, and re-uses materials. Ask a prospective provider if they have sustainable processes for handling waste and emissions and transporting materials—and ask them to show you how sustainability is being incorporated into business models and strategic planning cycles—evidence that the company is continuing to refine its focus on a sustainable future.

Here's a list of some additional factors to consider:

• A track record of environmental sustainability
• Products and components that can be recycled
• A remanufacturing process/program
• Recycling as part of the company's routine practice
• Products and components engineered for re-use
• A second life for products and parts
• Facilities for collection, transport and processing of products at the end of their useful lives
• Sustainable logistics processes
• Procedures that minimize energy consumption, emissions, and waste
• Programs to reduce packaging and use recycled materials in packages
• Use of green/renewable energy sources for heating, cooling, production
• Initiatives in place to reduce paper usage during testing
• Programs in place to reduce ozone, dust, and toner emissions
• Photoconductors & consumables that last longer to reduce waste
• Products engineered for low heat, noise, dust and ozone emissions
• Products that are ENERGY STAR®, RoHS and ISO 14001 compliant
• Membership in the U.N. Global Compact
• Receipt of awards for its sustainable practices

To learn more about sustainability and how it is part of our DNA, download the Free Wide Format Printing Sustainability White Paper.

Resource Center Home Sustainable Printing