ADDING MULTIMEDIA Vertis Communications Secures Triple Certification from Industry-Leading Forest Management Organizations

Chain-of-Custody Certifications Advance Company’s Sustainable Growth Strategy and Further Supports Clients’ Environmental Initiatives

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertis Communications, a results-driven marketing communications company that delivers inventive advertising, direct marketing and interactive solutions to prominent brands across North America, announced today that it has earned Triple Certification across the company’s inserts facilities from the three leading international sustainable forestry practice organizations. After stringent monitoring and verification, Vertis’ insert facilities are certified under The Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®), The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative^® (SFI) chain-of-custody standards.

“Additionally, the certifications reinforce Vertis’ own commitment to sustainable forest management and socially responsible growth.”

Vertis began pursuing the certifications in response to increasing industry demands for print materials that are created using paper produced from responsibly managed forests, which protect biodiversity and water quality, and have well-documented, long-term management plans in place. At the request of key customers, such as Safeway Inc., and driven by Vertis’ own environmental initiatives, the company worked closely with FSC, PEFC and SFI organizations to support certification for its facilities.

“Vertis’ triple certification further illustrates our commitment to our customers and delivers on our promise to help them achieve responsible business initiatives that are in-step with industry standards and practices,” stated Doug Mann, senior vice president of operations. “Additionally, the certifications reinforce Vertis’ own commitment to sustainable forest management and socially responsible growth.”

FSC certifications provide chain-of-custody verification for wood and paper products, ensuring that all products used are sourced through responsible forestry management practices. PEFC, the world’s largest certification system, evaluates the entire forest supply chain to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. The SFI program tracks the chain-of-custody of raw materials to assure that paper used in printed products are derived from organizations that integrate the perpetual growing and harvesting of trees while ensuring the protection of wildlife, plants, soils and water.

Vertis customer Safeway, Inc., one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, has an unrivaled reputation for pursuing environmentally-responsible business practices from internal operations to its consumer-facing programs, which are showcased in the Sustainability section of Safeway.com. “As a responsive partner for Safeway, Vertis immediately took action to achieve triple certification at our request,” said Catherine Moyer, advertising director, Print and Production Services of Safeway. “We are now able to proudly display the certification logos on our advertisements, further reinforcing our sustainability initiatives. The process has also validated Vertis’ stated commitment to client service and responsiveness.”

For more information on Vertis’ triple certification across inserts facilities, please contact Nicole Smith at 212.219.0321 or [e-mail].

About Vertis Communications

Vertis Communications is a results-driven marketing communications company that delivers inventive advertising, direct marketing and interactive solutions to prominent brands across North America. Our deep industry knowledge and extensive range of offerings—including integrated data solutions, digital program management systems, creative services, world-class print and mail production, logistics, out-of-home and business process outsourcing—are used to deliver superior program performance that drives bottom line results for our clients. With 100 strategically positioned locations and 5,500 dedicated professionals, we deliver impeccable quality and fast turn-around to any market. For more information, visit www.vertisinc.com.

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