US EPA Recognizes SGIA in 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge

For Immediate Release April 20, 2017 Contact: Kate Achelpohl, SGIA 703.359.1364 kate@sgia.org Fairfax, Virginia — The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) has been recognized as a 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree. Of the nine organizations honored, only SGIA represents the printing industry. EPA’s SmartWay program launched in 2004 to stem the effects of rapid growth in freight transport activity on the environment, public health and climate. The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge honorees are selected based on their activities to actively inform stakeholders about ways to reduce freight emissions and other environmental impacts. Organizations must apply to be considered for the honor. “SGIA is committed to sustainable business practices — not just for our members, but in the office as well. In fact, we’ve taken the step of becoming a SmartWay shipper candidate,” said said SGIA President & CEO Ford Bowers. “Sustainable business practices are as important to businesses as they are to the environment.” As a SmartWay Affiliate Challenge honoree, SGIA promoted the program to members and the printing industry at large through tactics such as webinars and articles in the industry trade press, and is working with UPS and YRC to achieve status as a SmartWay shipper. “EPA commends the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge honorees for their extraordinary level of commitment and enthusiasm in supporting more efficient and sustainable business practices in moving goods,” said Christopher Grundler, Director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality. “These organizations represent diverse industry sectors and stakeholders who are showing that American prosperity and protecting the environment can go hand in hand.” The 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge was open to all affiliates who submitted an application and supporting materials describing accomplishments during the period of March 1, 2016, to March 1, 2017. The nine honored affiliates — SGIA, American Trucking Associations, Environmental Defense Fund, Colorado Motor Carriers Association, International Sanitary Supply Association in collaboration with Sustainability Dashboard Tools, LLC, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association, Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP, and Wisconsin Green Cities — represent just 4 percent of the total affiliate membership. SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community Having its origins in the screen printing industry, SGIA embraced the digital revolution early on and is now the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. Additionally, the SGIA Expo is the largest trade show for print technology in North America. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable. Join the community — SGIA.” About SmartWay EPA launched SmartWay in collaboration with business stakeholders to strengthen competitiveness and energy efficiency while contributing to cleaner air. Since 2004, over 3,500 companies have relied upon SmartWay data and assistance to lean their supply chains while shrinking their environmental footprints. Collectively, SmartWay partners have saved $27.8 billion in fuel costs, while cutting over 1.7 million tons of NOx, 70 thousand tons of PM2.5 and 84 million metric tons of carbon from our nation’s freight transportation networks.