22 May 2008 Media Statement
Ministry report blueprint for environmentally friendly printing

The Ministry for the Environment’s milestone state of the environment publication has won a gold award for using best practice environmental printing processes.

Wellington print company Printlink entered Environment New Zealand 2007 into the environmental section of the annual Pride in Print awards last week. The awards recognise and promote the achievement of excellence within the New Zealand printing industry.

Todd Krieble, Ministry General Manager Reporting and Communications says the award is an achievement that sets the standard for green publishing.

“The Ministry produces a considerable amount of reports and information material every year. We make deliberate choices whether to print hard copies or upload reports onto the web, what paper and ink to use, which print company to contract and how to encourage smart design and lay out.”

Peter Ward, General Manager of Printlink, says the company is delighted that the Ministry’s publication has received such recognition.

“The Ministry insisted that we showed a clear and precise plan to produce this job with minimal impact on the environment.”

Key elements of the plan were the use of 100 per cent chlorine free, recycled paper, vegetable based inks, and all printing plates, chemicals, and waste paper were recycled.

“We believe the end result reflects the commitment of both Printlink and the Ministry to achieve an excellent ‘sustainable printing’ outcome without diminishing the quality of the final product,” Mr Ward says.

The Ministry for the Environment has adopted sustainable practices across a range of other business processes, such as waste management, staff travel and building management.

Under the motto ‘walking the talk’, the Ministry for the Environment runs the Govt3 programme which helps government agencies become more sustainable.

To date, Govt3 has 55 members including 34 core government agencies. The programme is about practical action and focuses on sustainable procurement, transport, buildings, waste minimisation, and office consumables and equipment.

For more information and practical advice on sustainability visit www.mfe.govt.nz and www.sustainability.govt.nz.

ENDS

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