SOS has recognized the responsibility that comes with being a major user of resources.

SOS implemented numerous initiatives towards ensuring minimal impact on the environment contributing to a sustainable industry.
Certifications and Accreditations:

  • SOS has been certified to ISO 14001 and is audited regularly.
  • SOS has been FSC accredited since early 2007.
    SOS has conducted several training courses and seminars for its customers on the implementation and use of FSC stocks. SOS has also compiled a very extensive database of accredited stocks and gained experience in working with environmentally friendly materials.
  • SOS is also accredited by the PEFC.
  • SOS is preparing for a carbon audit in 2012.
SOS has implemented a number of other initiatives to minimize its use of energy and negative impact on the environment:
  • SOS is the first large scale installation of LED lighting in a manufacturing environment in Australia. Replacing all the fluorescent light tubes with LED lights in our factory was an investment, which reduced power consumption by approximately 30%. It also has produced a large number of carbon credits (149 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved per annum).
  • A power factor correction device averages and reduces power usage of the factory.
  • The SOS factory roof has been coated by absorbent material to minimize heat inside the factory and reduce energy requirements.
  • SOS uses vegetable based inks. This means reduced consumption of non renewable sources as well as easier recycling by facilitating the de-inking of paper.
  • SOS has just updated the Fuji prepress system. The updated version uses less chemicals when processing plates.
  • The OCE 6250 engines feature significantly lower energy consumption and heat emission.
SOS has always recycled consumables and equipment where possible:
  • Paper is recycled through regular pickups by an external contractor. This includes off cuts, waste etc.
  • Plates are recycled through daily pickups of an external contractor.
  • Other consumables such as toner, toner cartridges and inks are recycled weekly. In the last couple of years we have recycled over 7 tons of cartridges and other consumables from our digital production area.

SOS will continue to work with suppliers and customers to minimise impact on the environment.

You can hear a radio interview about LED lights and our other environmental initiatives here.