Questions and Answers

How were the Two Sides Principles developed?

The Two Sides Principles were developed by the Sustainability Committee to address common areas of commitment where members can measure, manage and reduce their environmental impact.

What makes this initiative different from others?

Two Sides draws its membership from all sectors of the Graphic Communications Supply Chain, and our members believe in and are committed to the Two Sides Principles. Two Sides vigorously promotes the sustainability of print and paper and refutes erroneous and misleading environmental information with accurate, verifiable information that reflects our industry's sustainable business practices.

How is Two Sides organized?

Two Sides U.S. is a non-profit organization (IRC 501(c)6) whose members seek to minimize and reduce the environmental impacts of their business activities. The Two Sides U.S. Board of Directors provides overall governance and is supported by the Sustainability and Membership Committees, which serves as the organization's key decision-making bodies. The Marketing Committee, responsible for developing and implementing the marketing and communications plan, reports to the Sustainability Committee. The Board, the Sustainability and Membership Committees include representatives from leading membership companies spanning the entire Graphic Communications Supply Chain.

Any member can apply to join the committees by writing to the Board or contacting the President. The Committees are restricted to a manageable number, and there are a limited number of seats for each sector of the graphic communication value chain to ensure adequate cross-sectoral representation.

How will Two Sides ensure the transparency of its activities?

Two Sides will publish a publicly available annual report on its activities as well as information on its accounts and membership. In addition, Two Sides publishes a regular newsletter for members and interested parties.

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

While there are many successful standards and initiatives that encourage sustainability, Two Sides was created specifically to engage the entire Graphic Communications Supply Chain in improving environmental performance and promoting the industry's sustainability. By adopting and implementing the Two Sides Principles, members are raising the bar on industry-wide performance improvement rather than focusing on a single issue, operation, process or sector.

Our intent is not to compete with other standards and initiatives, but to give the Graphic Communications industry a single, unified voice in telling our sustainability story. We are committed to vigorously responding to inaccurate and misleading information about the sustainability of print and paper. By refuting unsubstantiated claims – directly and by providing a wealth of balanced, verifiable resources to help our members respond – Two Sides ultimate aim is to inspire rightly placed confidence that print on paper is a truly sustainable communications medium and that our members operate their businesses responsibly.

What is Two Sides legal status?

Two Sides U.S. operates as an industry association under IRS Statute 501(c)6 and takes all necessary steps to ensure that its activities comply with applicable competition rules.

Two Sides U.S. has adopted an Anti-trust Compliance Policy which seeks to ensure that all members are aware of their competition law obligations and at all times act in accordance with all applicable competition rules.

Who can become a member?

Any organization involved in the Graphic Communication Supply Chain who adopts and implements, and if requested can show compliance with, the Two Sides Principles, may become a Two Sides U.S. member. Membership eligibility is determined by the President of Two Sides U.S. If membership is refused, an applicant may appeal to the Two Sides U.S. Board of Directors. All membership decisions are at the Board's sole discretion and will be deemed final.