Two Sides Membership

Why Join Two Sides

Two Sides exists because people who are passionate about and dedicated to this industry have become increasingly dismayed that the right environmental credentials of the graphic communication supply chain are not adequately explained and that a new generation is growing up believing the print and paper is a media which can be replaced by other forms of more sustainable and effective communication.

In joining Two Sides, members can, practically and effectively, set out the facts about the industry and ensure that these are communicated to those who use print and paper media not only for commercial purposes but also for learning.

Members can also demonstrate and promote their commitment to sustainability by uploading their company profiles to the Two Sides site.

Member Benefits

The benefits below are available to all Two Sides members:

• a unique initiative, from tree to page, promoting the sustainability of Print Media for common benefit establishing, through Two Sides, credibility for sustainability messages to stakeholders that could not be achieved through single organisations
• Access to all Two Sides Materials. A valuable resource to inform clients, staff and industry partners about our industry’s sustainability
• a useful forum for discussion and interaction with industry peers and a communication and engagement platform, supporting member communication with media, suppliers, NGOs and any other organisation
• the creation of your web page to publicise your organisation’s green credentials
• the publicity of your organisation’s activities to our growing worldwide database utilizing uploading your events to the website for inclusion in the regular newsletter
• access to information on emerging sustainability issues and challenges our industry is facing

Use of the Two Sides logo and intellectual property offering a means to demonstrate:

• your business’s proactive approach to responsible business practices
• your business’s commitment to implementing the Two Sides Principles in a robust and credible manner
• a means to provide confidence to your supply chain partners concerning your sustainability practices
• an ability to demonstrate leadership in consumer confidence issues to your organisation and membership
• a means to enhance your reputation concerning sustainability issues and to support the interests and status of your organisation access to information on emerging issues and challenges the industry is facing
• a vehicle for developing practical solutions in consultation with industry, civil society and government
• a communications and engagement platform, supporting you in communicating with media, your stakeholders, NGOs and other organisations

Member Questions

What was the process for developing the draft Principles?

The Two Sides Principles were decided after extensive discussion by all members of the Print and Paper Sustainability Group during March 2009 and were adopted by Australia with the establishment of Two Sides Australia in 2011.

The Two Sides Principles demonstrate significant commitment by members of Two Sides to measure, manage and reduce their environmental impact.

What makes this initiative different from others?

Two Sides Australia draws its membership from all sectors of the Graphic Communications Value Chain.

Two Sides Australia will actively promote the sustainability of the Industry setting out the facts and ensuring that erroneous and misleading environmental statements are refuted; providing in return accurate and verifiable information which reflects the activity of the industry in developing sustainable practices.

Two Sides Australia members also believe in and will adopt a set of Principles which demonstrate their environmental commitment.

How is Two Sides organised?

The key decision making body of Two Sides Australia is the Steering Group, drawn from leading membership companies spanning the whole supply chain. Any member can apply to join the Steering Group by writing to the Board of Two Sides Australia. The Group will be restricted to a manageable number.

To ensure effectiveness, special groups will be established to promote specific aspects of the work of Two Sides Australia.

A Marketing Group will discuss and recommend ways to deliver the Two Sides Australia messages, assisted by the specific skills offered by Partner Members.

Good governance of Two Sides Australia is provided by the Board.

How will Two Sides Australia ensure the transparency of its activities?

Two Sides Australia will provide an annual review of its activities. Two Sides Australia also releases a regular newsletter to members and interested parties.

How will Two Sides fit with existing industry standards and initiatives?

It is envisaged that the Two Sides Australia Principles and Member Commitments will be recognised as setting a standard that will give confidence to Print and Paper users and all stakeholders that members are acting in a sustainable manner in all areas of their operations.

It is recognised that there are many accreditation schemes which seek to assure purchasers of Print and Paper that materials meet certain criteria. These are, however, very often limited to one aspect of process or manufacture whereas Two Sides provides an assurance of the whole organisation’s approach to their activities. Membership of Two Sides Australia requires that members are implementing sustainable environmental practices right across their organisations.

Is Two Sides legally constituted?

It is planned to establish Two Sides Australia as an independent, not for profit organisation. It is intended that Two Sides Australia operate under the auspices of the Printing Industries Association of Australia (Printing Industries) in conjunction with the Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA). All necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the activities of Two Sides Australia comply with all applicable competition rules.

Who can become a member?

Any organisation involved in the Graphic Communication Value Chain who adopts and practices, and if requested can show compliance with, the prevailing Two Sides Australia Principles, may ask to become a Two Sides Australia Member.

The eligibility and suitability of the applicant will be determined by the Board of Two Sides Australia following a review by the Two Sides Secretariat. If membership is denied the applicant may appeal to the board of Two Sides Limited UK as principle licence holder.

In assessing the suitability for membership the Board will consider such things as the company’s environmental management strategy, the level and quality of relevant certification, evidence of best practice in environmental management in business operations, community based activities linked to promoting sustainable industry practices, demonstrated improvement in environmental performance over the last three years and any evidence of negative environmental behaviour or practices.

Any decision, regarding an applicant’s membership of Two Sides Australia, will be at the sole discretion of the Two Sides Limited UK Board. In making a determination the Board of Two Sides Limited UK will consider a consistent international approach to brand values and protection.

What is the basis of subscription?

A key principle of Two Sides Australia is to be inclusive, encouraging organisations of all sizes to contribute to the overall aim of promoting responsible environmental practices throughout the Graphic Communications Value Chain.

To achieve this, annual membership fees for organisations trading for commercial reasons in Print and Paper are calculated as a percentage of their annual Relevant Turnover in Australia.

Relevant turnover is defined as the total turnover derived from those parts of the business entity that are directly involved in the Graphic Communications Value Chain.