SOS recognise the responsibility that comes with being a major user of resources and have implemented numerous initiatives towards ensuring minimal impact on the environment, contributing to a sustainable industry.
Certifications and Accreditations:
- SOS is certified to ISO 14001 and is audited regularly.
- FSC® (licence number C011217) 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™ (licence code 21-31-45).
SOS has implemented a number of other initiatives to minimize its use of energy and any negative impact on the environment:
- SOS was 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 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.