You’ve seen that SunDance was the first offset printer in Florida to be certified as a Sustainable Green Printer (SGP), but what all does that entail?

Sustainability in print isn’t just about using recycled paper or plant-based inks. It’s about looking at the entire operation from production processes to employee engagement to supply chain impact. The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) is the only certification program that specifically targets print production facilities with a comprehensive focus on sustainability across the entire organization.

Whole-Facility Approach to Sustainability

Unlike certifications that focus on a single attribute or material, SGP takes a holistic, facility-wide approach. It evaluates environmental, social, and economic impacts across all aspects of a printing or packaging operation.

This includes everything from

• Energy and utilities management
• Waste and chemical handling
• Air emissions and indoor air quality
• Transportation and logistics
• Employee engagement and training
• Community and stakeholder involvement

SGP-certified facilities don’t just meet a checklist; they demonstrate a deep, ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Continuous Improvement

At the core of SGP certification is a Sustainability Management System (SMS) built on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model.

SGP requires facilities to

• Set S.M.A.R.T. goals with actionable plans
• Track progress using specific tools
• Regularly evaluate performance and implement improvements

Certification isn’t a one-and-done achievement. SGP requires facilities to renew every two years, ensuring sustainability efforts continue to improve over time.

Third-Party Validation

In a world where “greenwashing” is a growing concern, SGP offers rigorous third-party validation.

The certification process includes a two-day, in-plant audit where auditors walk through the facility, review documentation and procedures, and engage directly with the Sustainability Committee.

This hands-on evaluation ensures that real practices, not just marketing language, back sustainability claims.

Sustainability Management System

SGP-certified facilities must implement and maintain a structured Sustainability Management System that includes:

A Formal Sustainability Policy that outlines commitments to

• Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance
• Federal, state, and local employment laws
• Continuous improvement in sustainability performance
• Source reduction, reuse, and recycling
• Transparent communication with stakeholders

Defined Processes and Documentation

Facilities must maintain clear procedures for

• Document control and record retention
• Preventative maintenance
• Chemical and waste management
• Air emissions and indoor air quality assessments

Employee Engagement and Training

Sustainability is a team effort. SGP requires facilities to

• Train employees on sustainability practices
• Communicate goals and progress internally
• Involve staff through a dedicated Sustainability Committee

Accountability Through Measurement and Reporting

SGP certification emphasizes accountability at every level. Facilities must

• Conduct regular internal reviews and corrective actions
• Perform management reviews to assess system effectiveness
• Publish an annual sustainability report

Each component of the system functions as part of a living, evolving framework, where no single element stands alone.

Extending Impact Beyond the Facility

SGP wants organizations to look beyond their walls and ensure organizations share impact rather than isolate it. They encourage companies to

• Engage with supply chain partners
• Participate in social and community initiatives
• Improve sustainability across the broader ecosystem

Beyond the Basics

Ultimately SGP certification represents a higher standard for sustainability in print. It goes beyond surface-level initiatives to create a structured, measurable, and continuously improving system.

For brands and partners, working with an SGP-certified printer means confidence in

• Verified sustainability practices
• Transparent reporting
• Long-term commitment to improvement

To SunDance, that level of credibility makes all the difference, which is why we work to maintain certification as a Sustainable Green Printer.