FSC Certification
SmithBates Printing & Design, Achieves FSC Certification
(KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.: April 17, 2009) — SmithBates Printing and Design is
the first privately owned printing company in Southern Oregon to qualify for the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification, an independent indicator of renewable products and
processes.
“We understand that what we do in our business can affect the environment, and we want
to minimize that impact. FSC Certification is another responsible option we can offer
customers,” said SmithBates President Dan Cavanaugh.
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization that has developed
principles and criteria to independently certify forests and forest products and recognize
responsible forest management. The certification is granted by Scientific Certification Systems
(SCS), which is accredited to certify companies to FSC standards. The FSC check mark tree logo
certifies that materials used on projects at SmithBates are from sustainable forests, recycled
sources or a combination of both.
To display the FSC logo on certain products, SmithBates maintains certain policies and
procedures for tracking FSC Certified paper through the print production process. The certification
also requires the company maintain chain-of-custody records of FSC certified inventory for an
annual audit to ensure compliance.
While being an FSC supplier may be new to the company, SmithBates has long been a leader in
adopting sustainable and lean business practices. Among many important production process changes
SmithBates has made over the years to reduce impact on the environment are chemistry-free plates,
vegetable based inks and recycling post press and other materials used in the print manufacturing
process.
“All of these process improvements were in place prior to our decision to move forward
with FSC Certification,” noted SmithBates Vice President Ann Cavanaugh. “We
strive to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle consumables in our entire process. We are a
Blue Sky Champion Partner in Pacific Power’s renewable energy program and are in the process
of becoming an EPA Green Partner.”
Part of the company’s motivation to preserve the environment, comes from its location,
she said: “We want to protect the natural beauty that surrounds us.” SmithBates’
headquarters and main plant overlook Upper Klamath Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Pacific
Northwest. SmithBates is within an hour of Crater Lake, three national forests, six protected
marshlands, and the largest population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states.
SmithBates’ customers throughout Oregon and Northern California are pleased to have the
FSC Certified option and have responded positively to the company’s other eco-conscious
practices. Many of them understand the benefits of “green” business practices and are
embracing environmentally friendly strategies, Dan Cavanaugh observed.
Klamath County Economic Development Association Executive Director Trey Senn, a member of the
Oregon Sustainability Board, said that he is extremely pleased to see SmithBates and other
companies in the region, such as Collins Products and Thermo Pressed Laminates, become FSC
Certified.
“The Collins companies have long been supporters of sustainability and we appreciate
vendors like SmithBates who share our values,” said Chris Bailey, particleboard sales manager
for Collins Products.
“When SmithBates is willing to go to the extra effort and expense to offer their
clients FSC Certified products, it tells me they are listening to the demands of the market and are
willing and able to compete in today’s marketplace,” said Pat McNeal of Thermo Pressed
Laminates.
SmithBates Printing & Design, LLC, is a privately-held, regional printing and graphics
company that provides a full range of digital and offset printing, creative services and Internet
fulfillment services primarily in Oregon and Northern California. For more information visit
www.smithbates.com/sustainabilityor call 541-884-3714 or 800-303-3714.
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