Sustainability is not only gaining momentum in the imaging industry, but it is more vital to success and longevity than ever. SGIA’s Sustainability Recognition Program recognizes exceptional members as they take steps toward realizing sustainable business practices each year. Adopting a sustainable business ethic requires a strong commitment on the part of both management and the workforce, and GFX International has made that commitment.
Since 2010, GFX has been certified under the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Program (SGP Partnership), a non-profit organization that validates printing facilities’ sustainability initiatives, including and beyond regulatory compliance.
New for 2015, GFX is focusing on process optimization to reduce waste throughout their supply chain. Using proprietary GFX technology, they can now collect, store and analyze client data/trends to make smarter recommendations. Examples include designing and producing products that are customized to each store footprint, as well as analyzing shipping data for effective use of packaging and utilization of carriers.
In addition, GFX can offer true variable data printing, allowing them to localize each product for that specific market. They can even offer clients a print-on-demand program that reduces waste in the manufacturing and warehousing process, ultimately leading to a reduction of waste at the store level.
“At GFX, we believe a functional sustainability policy must be dynamic in nature and consist of three key business components for operational excellence,” said COO Mark Taylor. “These three components — Safety, Environmental, and Staffing Stability — provide structure and stability while maintaining a sustainable business.”
Safety: GFX International provides and ensures a safe and healthy work environment for staff, visitors and community.
Environmental: GFX International ensures all activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner to protect all aspects of the scarce resources of the environment: Land, air and water. A continuous focus persists, where improvement opportunities are sought to measure and reduce environmental impact at all supply chain levels: Vendor, internal operations, customer and logistics.
Staffing Stability: GFX International strives to provide a superior employment experience for all team members through training, empowerment, recognition, communication and employment stability.
Communication is key to success in sustainability, and GFX makes this a priority. The company’s sustainability policy is communicated through company and department meetings, and through postings on an internal “Company Communications” board. Sustainability policies are posted online, included in client RFPs and presentations, and reviewed with vendors each year to stay up to date.
Sustainable solutions are not only important for the environment, but they also can guarantee the sustainability of the life of your business. To learn more about SGIA’s sustainability resources and how you can take steps toward sustainable business practices, visit SGIA.org/Sustainability.
About GFX International
GFX Founder and CEO, Charles Huttinger, acquired Midwest Decal in 1989. Touting five employees, it was a small decal printer with big ideas. Throughout the early 90s, Huttinger evolved the marketing focus of the company. Midwest Decal expanded its product package to include promotional signage and graphics, offering pre-press services for color management on the front end and post-production services for special finishing and custom fulfillment on the back. In 1996, Midwest Decal became GFX International, Inc. By the new millennium, aggressive talent, technology and facility investments were rendering huge results. Beyond temporary graphics, the company was delivering permanent three-dimensional store décor elements to a broader base of retail clientele. Today, GFX is a world-class design & execution firm, solving complex in-store issues with proprietary software solutions for domestic and international brands & retailers.