Hemlock Reaches "Zero"; Promotes Carbon Neutral Printing

VANCOUVER , Nov. 18 /CNW/ - Hemlock Printers announced today the launch of "Zero", its innovative and industry leading carbon neutral printing program, and the first of its kind in Canada .

"Zero" is an easy three-step carbon neutral printing program that enables Hemlock's print customers to make sound, environmentally friendly choices and demonstrate the positive steps they are taking toward climate change mitigation. The program was jointly created with Offsetters, Canada's leading carbon management company and the Official Supplier of carbon offsets to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

"We developed 'Zero' because we recognize that climate change is unequivocally the greatest challenge facing the planet today," said Dick Kouwenhoven, President and CEO of Hemlock. "The print industry contributes to this impact so we are taking action in a number of ways to reduce our footprint. The 'Zero' program is a concrete way that we can make some changes today for the benefits of tomorrow."

When a customer decides to go "Zero", they purchase carbon offsets and neutralize their climate impact through investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that would otherwise not be developed without the investment.

Carbon neutral in its operations since 2008, Hemlock launched "Zero" as a means to actively work together with its customers and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at every stage of the paper lifecycle. An optional one to two percent fee per print job offsets the carbon emissions from the lifecycle of the paper.

"Hemlock does not produce paper, but we purchase it and have it shipped to us, print on it and then deliver the final product to our customers," noted Richard Kouwenhoven, Vice-President of Client Services at Hemlock. "The lifecycle of paper from forest, to mill, transport, printing and then disposal/recycling, emits CO2 at every stage. We want to work with our customers to reduce this impact."

Offsetters provides credits from local projects that meet or exceed the highest international standards for 'real', 'additional' and 'permanent' GHG reductions - the hallmarks of high quality carbon offsets. Sharing innovation and opportunity with its customers is another key feature of 'The Hemlock Way'. The launch of "Zero" aligns with Hemlock's pioneering spirit and further solidifies its longstanding reputation as a leader in the printing market.

Customers can find detailed information on the "Zero" program, its marketing attributes and the tools employed to calculate the carbon offsets of an individual print project, at www.hemlock.com

Hemlock Printers Ltd. is redefining print by leading and expanding how communications materials are viewed, produced and shared. Hemlock provides a range of impeccable print, digital and advisory services with accomplished quality, integrity and customer-focused service excellence. With an unmatched commitment to innovation, best practice and environmental care, Hemlock is the printer of choice in North America .

Offsetters is Canada's first and leading integrated carbon management company. Since 2005, Offsetters has been helping individuals and organizations understand, reduce, track, and offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Offsetters uses carbon offset funds to develop and invest in high-quality, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that would otherwise not take place. The goal is to create a mainstream shift toward clean energy systems, away from the fossil fuel dependence of today.

For further information: Offsetters media contact: Kari Grist, VP, Marketing and Client Engagement, Offsetters, [phone], [email protected]; Hemlock Printers Ltd. media contact: Richard Kouwenhoven, VP, Client Services, Hemlock Printers Ltd., [phone], [email protected], http://www.offsetters.com