Hemlock achieves Carbon Neutrality

Hemlock Printers is proud to announce that it has achieved carbon neutral status. It is the first printing company in Canada to gain this distinction.

To achieve carbon neutrality, Hemlock worked closely with Offsetters, Canada’s first carbon offset provider, to assess their existing carbon footprint. The companies then jointly created greenhouse gas reduction strategies and sourced high quality offsets for greenhouse gas emissions that could not be reduced. Hemlock has set a target of 33% reductions in absolute GHG emissions by the year 2020, meeting the target set by the BC Provincial Government.

Hemlock's greenhouse gas inventory audit was conducted over the summer and fall of 2008 which calculated emissions covering the calendar year of 2007. Complete details of the audit results as well as reduction targets, reduction strategies and the purchasing of carbon credits are available from Hemlock's 2007 Greenhouse Gas Report, prepared by Offsetters. This report follows the accounting and reporting guidelines as defined by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

“This is an accomplishment that everyone at Hemlock can take great pride in. Becoming the first carbon neutral printing company in Canada further solidifies our commitment to progressively promoting sustainable practices within our industry,” said Dick Kouwenhoven, President & CEO of Hemlock.

"Hemlock is a leader in the printing industry and is demonstrating tremendous leadership with their climate strategies, it has been a privilege to work closely with them on this initiative” said Kari Grist, VP Marketing & Business Development for Offsetters.

Hemlock has further plans to assist its customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their individual print projects. The company will introduce this program in November 2009.

About Hemlock

Hemlock Printers Ltd. is Western Canada’s premier commercial sheetfed printer, competitively offering a full range of services through a main plant and a digital print division, both located in Burnaby, BC. With auxiliary sales offices in Victoria and serving our US customers from Seattle, San Francisco and Monterey, Hemlock supports clients throughout North America with a focus on quality, integrity, innovation and professional service.

About Offsetters

Offsetters is Canada’s first and leading provider of high quality carbon offsets. The organization works with individuals and businesses to calculate, track, reduce, and finally offset their greenhouse gas emissions.  Offsetters’ funds are invested into renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that achieve tangible reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would not have taken place without its involvement.

For more information, see www.offsetters.ca