US EPA Recognizes SGIA in 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge

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.