RoArk Earns Green Paper Designation

While it may seem like a contradiction for a printing company that uses tons of paper to “go green,” that is exactly what The RoArk Group Inc. is doing.

The company announced Sept. 25 it has achieved certification from the Forest Stewardship Council that verifies its Rogers printing plant is part of a “chain of custody” that tracks paper products from the forest to the printer, which ensures RoArk will be using FSC-certified products from well-managed forests.

RoArk clients may now choose to use FSC-certified paper and the FSC logo on their printed product to inform their customers of their choice to use forest-friendly paper stock. By becoming FSC certified, RoArk’s plant is part of a larger picture of FSC-certified forests, mills, merchants and other printers who all choose to be environmentally conscious and stand against irresponsible forestry practices.

RoArk director of operations John Nichols said he’d been hearing from many customers looking for sustainable products, which isn’t surprising given Northwest Arkansas’ stated desire to become a “Green Valley” and the relentless pursuit of more eco-friendly practices from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

“There was a lot of buzz,” Nichols said, “especially from the people we do business with who do business with Wal-Mart. They wanted to know what is FSC, how can you help us use FSC projects. They like to print the logo on their printed piece. I’ve already started noticing it on Pottery Barn kits.

“It’s definitely becoming mainstream with the large publishing houses.”

Nichols said RoArk, which currently can use an agri-based ink that is 20 percent soy, is testing a new ink that is 60 percent agri-based.

“We set a goal of being committed to sustainability,” he said.