From a Focus on Sustainability to the SGP Boardroom: How Miller Zell Leads by Example

When you drive up to Miller Zell’s headquarters in Atlanta, the first thing you notice isn’t the massive production capacity or the rows of large format presses. It is the ground beneath your feet.

The facility has embraced xeriscaping, a landscaping method that relies on natural rainfall and eliminates the need for supplemental irrigation. To a casual observer, it is smart gardening. To a business leader, it’s waste elimination because there is no wasted water or unnecessary spend when the ecosystem already provides what you need. This project is part of a broader commitment to continuous progress integrated into their entire operation.

The Certification Advantage

The printing industry is moving toward a future defined by transparency and data. Miller Zell supports this transition by using measurement as a tool for collaboration. As an SGP (Sustainable Green Printing Partnership) certified facility, they operate under a third-party verified framework that provides clarity for their brand partners and sets a high bar for operational excellence.

Last year, this focus led to diverting 1,144 tons of waste from landfills. That 55% recycle rate was the result of the team treating sustainability as a strategic investment. By moving beyond general goals and into verified metrics, Miller Zell helps build a stronger, more accountable coalition across the entire print value chain.

Industry Stewardship

Miller Zell’s commitment to a sustainable future is best seen in how they support the entire print value chain. They do not just follow industry standards; they help write them. A prime example is the work of Birdley James, Miller Zell’s EHS & Sustainability Compliance Manager, who serves as the Chair of the SGP Partnership Board.

“Seeking sustainability in printing and production is a sound business decision that also protects the environment,” said James. “SGP Certification isn’t just about a plaque on the wall. It’s about ensuring your business flourishes and grows.”

“Visiting the Miller Zell facility, I was impressed by how deeply sustainability is woven into their DNA, from the management team to the interns,” said Theresa Vanna, past chair of SGP. “It is not just a department or a checklist; it is a personal commitment shared by everyone you meet, from the front office to the production floor. Their focus on customer success and project precision is part of this shared vision for a more sustainable future. It is powerful to see Birdley James lead SGP as Chair with the full strength and culture of the Miller Zell organization behind him.”

Inspired to Care

This commitment to stewardship goes beyond the factory floor. Miller Zell Charities, their 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has formalized a culture of giving back. The team supports the community by serving on non-profit boards and hosting the annual Miller Zell Charities Golf Classic.

From long-standing partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics Georgia to their work with the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home, Miller Zell supports the causes that matter to their employees. When a team sees their leadership invested in the local Atlanta community, it builds a sense of shared pride and purpose. This culture of care extends to the workplace, creating a professional environment where quality and attention to detail are a matter of collective spirit.

Advancing the Value Chain

Miller Zell demonstrates that operational discipline, customer engagement, sustainability and community impact all work together for the greater success of the company, employees, suppliers and customers. They are part of a single, high-performance strategy. By proving SGP certification is a competitive advantage, the Miller Zell team is actively building a sustainable future for the printing industry, their customers and the communities they serve.