Concerns over the environment have encouraged companies to adapt greener practices. In support of this crucial shift, Agfa Graphics created the Environmental Recognition Awards Program in 2007. Now in its fifth year, the program recognizes and honors printers that integrate, support and promote environmentally-sound practices.
Curtis Packaging of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, is a user of Agfa Graphics' :Energy Elite plates. They won the GreenWorks award for their significant dedication and policies regarding sustainable practices. The folding cartons Curtis produces are sourced from sustainably managed forests, responsibly manufactured and easily recyclable.
"We are proud to be a member of the GreenWorks program. It is great to work with a vendor who shares our dual passion for high quality printing and environmental stewardship," said Beth Scherer, Director of Sustainability, Curtis Packaging. "Our partnership with Agfa Graphics helps us to provide the best and most sustainable products for our customers."
To receive recognition from the Agfa Graphics GreenWorks program, print service providers and newspapers must use one of the following eco-friendly plates: . To date, Agfa Graphics has recognized almost 200 printers from the United States and Canada for their green printing efforts and other initiatives to reduce waste and save natural resources.
- :Azura TS - a thermal, negative-working, chemistry-free plate for low/medium volume commercial printing
- :Amigo TS - low-chemistry ThermoFuse plates
- :Energy Elite - high speed, high quality thermal, no-bake plates for long run performance
- :Azura Vi - the first violet plate for commercial printers designed for chemistry-free operation
- :N94-VCF - violet chemistry-free plate for newspaper production
Printers must also promote cleaner and more efficient printing practices and be involved in eco-friendly efforts such as recycling, waste reduction programs or use of alternative energy sources in their facilities.
Agfa Graphics provides GreenWorks members with marketing support materials to promote green efforts on their websites, in direct mail campaigns or other advertising opportunities. The GreenWorks winners are listed on Graphic Design USA magazine's website. To see a full listing of GreenWorks printers, visit http://www.gdusa.com/agfa
About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world's leading companies in imaging and information technology. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analog and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa Healthcare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials). Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 3.023 million euros in 2011. Please visit us at http://www.agfa.com.
About Agfa Graphics
Agfa Graphics offers integrated prepress solutions to the printing industry. These solutions comprise consumables, hardware, software and services for production workflow, project and color management.
Agfa Graphics is a worldwide leader with its computer-to-plate and digital proofing systems for commercial and packaging printing and the newspaper publishing markets.
Agfa Graphics is rapidly developing its position in the new segments of industrial inkjet with comprehensive solutions for various applications such as documents, posters, banners, signage, displays, labels and packaging materials. Its experience in both imaging and emulsion technology has provided the expertise required for developing a complete assortment of high-quality inks. Please visit us at http://www.agfagraphics.com.
About Pitman, an Agfa Company
Pitman, an Agfa Graphics company, collaborates with world class manufacturers to provide a diverse offering of the most advanced solutions for the prepress, pressroom, wide format, newspaper, packaging and commercial printing industries.
Pitman reinforces its customer-focused approach by providing the market with an unmatched distribution network, expert specialists, and unparalleled service excellence. Together, Agfa Graphics and Pitman deliver integrated and complete solutions tailored to the ever-changing needs of the graphic communications industry, enabling businesses to produce powerful messages and be more profitable. Please visit us at: www.pitman.com.