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Because of the need to understand and implement environmentally, socially and economically responsible programs that support the growth of member companies, FGA is participating in ASTM Committee E60. ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world. E60, a new standards development initiative, results from the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and industry stakeholders who share goals for the development of global sustainability. View a short video on Committee E60 - .wmv (lo | hi) or .mov (lo | hi)
The Fabric Graphics Association, a division of IFAI, is committed to supporting the sustainable business practices of its members, encouraging them to adopt practices that conserve resources and energy and minimize the use of harmful chemicals. With the sustainability partnership program, FGA also encourages its members to look for opportunities to apply sustainable practices throughout their entire organization, not just on the plant floor.
The trend toward sustainability—achieving economic prosperity while protecting the natural systems of the planet—is a vital issue. New environmental, social and economic challenges have further heightened global awareness. While both the public and private sectors have offered various programs to advance sustainability, widespread support is still lacking across mainstream markets.
The ASTM International Committee E60 provides a forum for diverse stakeholders to create the consensus standards that will promote and integrate sustainable development across multiple industry sectors. ASTM Committee E60 will build upon the standards that address various issues. Notable among these are the efforts of ASTM Subcommittee E06.71, which has contributed numerous standards supporting sustainability in the building industry.
The ongoing activities of E06.71, including a newly formed task group on green meetings and events, will now be coordinated by Committee E60. The initial scope of Committee E60 will be driven by subcommittees on building and construction, hospitality and general sustainability standards. E60 will also support and serve as a resource for other ASTM committees in activities that include sustainability issues.
WK2444, Environmentally Preferable Products for Buildings and Construction, will provide an opportunity to address the benefits of textiles as a building material. WK22056, Practice for the Evaluation and Selection of Hotel and Meeting Accommodations Related to Meetings, Events, Conferences, Conventions and Trade Shows, will also provide a venue to address textile use in this industry.
Subcommittee E60.80 on General Sustainability Standards will draft standards on global sustainability topics. Two selected focus areas include extended producer responsibility and chain of custody. For additional information go to the Fabric Graphics Association or contact FGA Managing Director Jan Schieffer. | 
