I am often asked the question of what defines a sustainable business. In my opinion, a sustainable business is one where profitability, concern for the environment, and social commitment are in harmony. Sound familiar? It should, as these are the three pillars of sustainability: economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. The ultimate goal of any sustainable business should be to reduce any negative impact on the environment while using their resources economically. This tracks with the sentiment offered in the 1987 Brundtland Report: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’” It’s a simple principle, but what exactly does this look like and how can it be put into actions?

First, understand there is no silver bullet. There is not just one thing that a business can do that will elevate it to instant status as “sustainable.” Recognize that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement and focuses not just on the environmental aspects but societal as well.  

Second, a sustainable business looks beyond the products it offers and considers the impact of its entire facility and operations. Focusing simply on the product going out the door does not elevate a business’s sustainability journey as it neglects its impact on the community in which it operates.  

Now, the good news: There exists a universal measuring stick in the form of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals comprise the blueprint of a sustainable world and serve as the criteria for determining the recipients of PRINTING United Alliance’s annual Sustainable Business Recognition Program. More and more we are seeing businesses who wish to make a positive impact aligning their business practice with the UN’s goals. Within this framework, there are 17 goals that are used as a universal platform for monitoring impact and harmonizing sustainability initiatives.  

In an effort to make this as simple as possible, our program focuses on three specific goals that we feel align with the printing industry:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being

Targets relating to preventing diseases, reducing illnesses from hazardous chemicals, and promoting mental health and well-being.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Targets relating to sustaining economic growth, achieving economic productivity through innovations, improving efficiency in consumption and production, equalizing pay, growing youth training or education programs, and decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Targets relating to managing sustainable materials, managing safe chemicals and waste, reducing waste generation, improving fuel efficiency, utilizing renewable energy, improving company procurement and overall transparency, and educating and encouraging others to be aware of and work toward sustainability.

Aligning the Sustainable Business Recognition Program with the SDGs allows an accurate, effective, and consistent means to assess applicants on their sustainability efforts. Having straightforward, concrete goals to guide actions and judge impacts provides a clear and consistent approach to evaluate each company’s sustainability program. 

And for even more good news, you do not need to limit your activities or application to just these three, so take a look at all the UN goals and targets. What you are doing today to create a better tomorrow? Let us know so we can celebrate the successes you achieved in 2020 and highlight your sustainability journey!

Apply today, as the application deadline closes March 12.


Marci Kinter is the VP – Government & Regulatory Affairs at PRINTING United Alliance, the largest, most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States. PRINTING United Alliance members have exclusive access to preeminent education; training; workshops; events; research; governmental and legislative representation; safety and environmental sustainability guidance; and resources from the leading media company in the industry – NAPCO Media. 

In this article, Kinter addresses the Alliance’s Sustainable Business Recognition Program. More information can be found at sgia.org, or reach out to the Government and Regulatory Affairs team should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business.  

To become a member of PRINTING United Alliance and learn more about how PRINTING United Alliance subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.