August 19th, 2009

NVO Achieves FSC Certification

 

Nittany Valley Offset, a leading Mid-Atlantic and New England printing company, has introduced two major green printing initiatives in response to growing interest in print procurement that meets sustainability practices. The firm now provides printed materials that meet the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard for environmentally responsible procurement procedures. In addition, they now print with an eco-friendly ink, which is rated very high in the newest environmental impact index adapted by the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM).

Spurred by the growing need for high quality, four color printed materials that are both supplied at cost effective prices and produced in an environmentally responsible printing plant, Nittany Valley Offset (NVO) now helps clients preserve natural resources, conserve energy usage, and reduce toxins emitted into the air and water.

"Our operation is a far cry from the simple use of recycled paper with post consumer fiber," said Robert Butkins, President of Nittany Valley Offset. "The criteria for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification require creating manufacturing systems which demonstrate the company is fully committed to sustainable forestry practices." NVO also uses low-VOC based inks. NAPIM established an "Eco Task Force" that developed and launched the NAPIM Bio-Derived Renewable Content (BRC) Labeling Program this year. NVO’s ink has been certified by NAPIM with a BRC Index of 70, which relates to the percentage of bio-based, renewable raw materials contained in the product. Since the percentage includes not only soy oil, but any other vegetable oils used in the ink, it reflects a much more accurate impact rating system. Nittany Valley Offset customers can request the use of product logos from FSC, the Rainforest Alliance or BRC, given their willingness to print on an FSC certified paper. This allows their clients to demonstrate their commitment to the environment in their print procurement practices.

The FSC's Chain of Custody certification is only awarded to organizations that manufacture, process or trade in forest products and can demonstrate they adhere to responsible sourcing practices by complying with forest sustaining procurement policies. FSC sets environmental standards for responsible use of forestry resources and is widely recognized by corporations and governmental entities around the world.

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