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Screen and digital printing association ESMA will introduce a new 'Approved Supplier' scheme at EcoPrint Europe 2012 to give its members a recognised quality mark. The three-tier scheme will be unveiled at the show, which takes place in Berlin, Germany on September 26th and 27th.

The self-certified primary tier will require its recipients to have in place ISO 9001 and 14001 standards or equivalent policies and be committed to continuous improvement. Middle tier members will have to demonstrate 'enhanced performance', such as a high level of corporate social responsibility, and to be awarded the top tier, an organisation must show 'innovative or novel systems, technology or cultural achievements leading to an outstanding health, safety or environmental performance, or quality of products [or] services'. ESMA hopes to be able to present top tier awards at a formal ceremony.

The scheme was suggested by ESMA's Health, Safety and Environmental Protection (HESP) Committee, and will launch in 2013, coinciding with the HESP Committee's golden jubilee year, adds ESMA.