Environmental management in a printing company; transformation patterns in the Dutch industry

The concept of sustainability presents an enormous challenge for industry. Where in the past a sound economic performance ensured survival, in the near future the triple-bottom-line will determine whether a company is successful or not. Next to outstanding economic results, companies will have to minimise environmental impacts and pay full attention to social aspects. Over the years, environmental management has therefore developed into a strategic issue for companies. The concept of sustainable development implies that environmental management in organisations has to go beyond compliance with regulation. Aspects such as waste minimisation and life cycle analysis are becoming more and more part of environmental management. Moreover the environment is no longer the sole responsibility of governments. Companies and other organisations have to take up their share of responsibility.