FESPA’s commitment to supporting the global print community in becoming more sustainable will continue at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona from February 21-24, 2012.

Printers can benefit from free, independent advice from global experts on how to embed sustainable printing techniques within their business at the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Zone (stand B15a) which will be open every day of the show. Printers can register for an appointment with an expert in the zone at: http://www.fespa.com/digital/en/planet-friendly-printing/117-fespa-planet-friendly-printing-zone.html

Visitors will also have access to a whole host of environmental features and content at the show. Whether a printer is already involved in sustainable printing techniques, or is just setting out and is unclear where to start, FESPA has gathered together global experts in the field of sustainable printing who will be able to offer invaluable advice and tips to ensure their business is leading in this key area.

The global sustainable printing professionals offering their expertise include: Paul Machin (author of the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Guide); Laurel Brunner (leader of the Verdigris Project, and co-author of several EU standards relating to sustainability); Clare Taylor, (leading sustainable printing consultant); Dennis Geelen (FEBELGRA secretary and environmental expert); and Michel Caza (FESPA board member, screenprinting legend and co-author of the FESPA Planet Friendly Guide), plus a host of guests from organisations such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management.

The two-day Planet Friendly Printing Conference within the Explore Conference programme (room 4.1) is focused on sustainability and the content is designed to offer insight from customers, printers and consultants on the drivers for adopting a more sustainable approach to business, the 'why to be green' – and on the many routes to improving the sustainable performance of your business - the 'how to be green'.

The 'how to be green' presentations and debates are underpinned by three hour-long Planet Friendly Printing Workshops (room 4.3) giving more detailed insight and advice on improving your sustainable credentials in the area of carbon footprinting and energy efficiency.

Since 2004 FESPA has published the Planet Friendly Printing Guide which interprets and distils environmental best practice and legislation for printers and offers detailed advice on environmental management. To date, the Planet Friendly Printing Guide has only been available to members of FESPA’s 37 member associations. The latest version of the guide (11th edition) will remain exclusive to FESPA members. However, recognising that sustainability is a significant issue for all printers, FESPA will make an abridged version of the guide available to non-member printers around the world. Visitors can register for a free copy of the abridged Planet Friendly Printing Guide from the FESPA stand (B15).

FESPA’s Managing Director, Neil Felton comments: “Sustainability in printing is an issue that FESPA has championed within our community since 2004 as we encourage printers to embrace more planet friendly printing practices. The latest FESPA Economy Survey also highlighted that over 62% of respondents indicated that ‘green’ printing, or printing using more environmentally-friendly practices has seen an increase in demand as a service. Our continued emphasis on Planet Friendly Printing further helps to reinforce the message that sustainability can support profitability, while our vendor – neutral approach means that our advice and content is free of commercial ties.”

FESPA’s Planet Friendly Printing initiatives are part of its ongoing Profit for Purpose programme.

Planet Friendly Printing is not just an ideology, its a way of life for some printers. This section will house the best of the sustainability in print on fespa.com. With expert opinions, research, presentations, videos and of course the infamous Planet Friendly Printing Guide, anything the printer service provider, print buyer, supplier to the industry or agency personnel will ever need.

CLICK HERE TO RECIEVE PLANET FRIENDLY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION.

As brands continue to extend their consumer social responsibility (CSR) programmes, sustainability has become a key differentiator to win those previously difficult to reach contracts. If you require any explanation or information of anything in this section, feel free to click on the "ask the expert" button where the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Guru will answer your questions and comments.