• Greening the Factory

• EcoLabel Standard Program

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Green Task Force: Greening the Factory

Join ICMA for Our New “Greening the Factory” Initiative

In an effort to further improve the card manufacturing industry, ICMA is launching another phase of the Green Task Force, “Greening the Factory.” The purpose of this new Task Force is to develop an ICMA Green Factory Credential program based on existing industry procedures, current ISO specifications and best practices. The program will be available to ICMA members and will become the industry’s “green” card manufacturing endorsement.

As a part of the new Task Force you can:
• Network and share knowledge with your peers on best practices in operating a green factory, which will lead to the development of new economically viable practices that will benefit our businesses and the overall card industry.

• Create opportunities and recognition for you and your company throughout the industry

• Be a part of an initiative that can position your company in a positive light and lead to new or increased business for your company

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The EcoLabel Standard Program at a Glance

By Al Vrancart

It’s an exciting time for the card industry as we adapt to the changing needs of consumers to officially launch the ICMA EcoLabel Standard Program. This journey began in 2008 when ICMA members and other stake holders formed the Green Task Force, and gathered to make an idea a reality. The card industry, through ICMA’s Green Task Force, has responded to the changing times and taken steps to help create more long term business opportunities.

How did this idea come about?
The Green Task Force is comprised of card manufacturers, personalizers, suppliers and issuers. There have been over 90 participants in nine global meetings. Of these 90, 17 core members attended four out of nine meetings.

What exactly is the EcoLabel Standard Program?
This is a voluntary program where ICMA acts as an independent third-party organization providing guiding standards and credibility to green products. This was designed in compliance with ISO provisions for international principles and procedures of environmental labels and declarations.

The ICMA EcoLabel Standard Program is comprised of two documents. The Indicators for the Environmental Impact of Cards document defines measurable criteria for assessing the environmental impact of transaction and identification cards. This document is the basis for the ICMA EcoLabel Standard Program.

The EcoLabel Standard Program Manual is a document that describes step by step how the program works. The Program Manual outlines how ICMA members first apply to become licensees of the program. Only licensees can then apply to have a product order either registered (an assurance level with no third-party verification) or certified (meaning it has been reviewed by a third-party assessor) after paying a usage fee for each order.

Can the standard be amended?
The Green Task Force will strive to improve the standard by reviewing it regularly. All recommended changes will be discussed at ongoing Task Force meetings, then formally sent out for member feedback.

How can this lead to more business opportunities?
EcoLabel Standard Program licensees can promote their licensee status on any marketing materials by using the licensee logo. Additionally, ICMA will promote licensees in future issues of Card Manufacturing and on the ICMA website. Issuers of cards bearing the ICMA EcoLabel logo can promote it as well by using the ICMA EcoLabel logo on materials promoting those cards.

Our thanks to all members who dedicated time and effort to launch this project. Watch for more information in the coming issues of Card Manufacturing.

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