Representatives of the PIAA met with James Griffin, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Veterans and committee member on the Committee for Environment and Planning. The meeting took place on Friday last week to discuss the price of energy, and increasing production of both electricity and gas, as well as VET in New South Wales for the printing, packaging and visual communication sector

High energy costs and supply issues impact businesses in the sector extremely negatively.

The PIAA is delighted to work with the State Government on these issues, to drive down the cost of energy as well as increase and stabilise the supply of power and gas, which can only lead to higher productivity and employment in the sector. The conversation also covered Sustainable Green Print (SGP) the PIAA world-leading program which certifies printers and their participation in the circular economy.

VET and TAFE needs for the printing, packaging and visual communication industry were discussed, with the PIAA making the case for stronger support in VET and a funnel of talent into TAFE and the printing and visual communications sector.

Walter Kuhn, President of the PIAA says “The PIAA is acutely aware of the impact the high-cost electricity and gas has on the printing sector in NSW, we maintain a continual dialogue with the state government on the matter”.

Ben Cornel, Standards and Accreditation Manager for the PIAA said “SGP was set up for a number of reasons but most importantly to enhance the credibility and sustainability of our industry while also countering the growth of ‘greenwashing’ within the industry, so we are very much looking forward to discussing this program with all Ministers” continuing “It is important to keep all Ministers across the issues affecting the visual communications sector”.