The German manufacturer launched the second award at its HEI ECO day earlier this month, in which the company reiterated its desire to remain "the greenest supplier in the print industry".

Heidelberg also launched its latest Sustainability Report for 2009/2010, which highlighted what action the company has taken in press production to promote eco-friendly printing.

Marcel Kiessling, member of the management board responsible for Heidelberg Services, said: "There is a clear trend in the print media industry towards sustainable services that improve not only the cost-efficiency of print shops but also their environmental performance."

The company's environmental award scheme, the Heidelberg ECO Awards, offers a prize fund of €50,000 (£44,000) across two categories, 'Sustainable Companies' and 'Forward-looking Solutions'.

Stephan Plenz, member of the management board responsible for Heidelberg Equipment, said the aim of the awards were to give printers a means to share environmental knowledge.

He said: "The winners of the first environmental award provided impressive proof that it is possible to combine environmentally friendly production with business success.

"We encourage and support this, and consider ourselves a champion of green printing. More than 50 print shops worldwide had submitted entries the first time the award was held two years ago."

The awards are judged by an independent panel led by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Heidelberg. Any printer that operates at least one offset litho press is eligibale to enter the awards and the press manufacturer is accepting entries up until 31 January 2011 ahead of the ceremony in June next year.

In March last year, Heidelberg handed out the first of its Eco Printing prizes, with Vancouver-based Hemlock Printers winning the most sustainable business category.

For more information on the awards, click here.