As a producer, we generate waste in many forms but we consider that we are, at the very least, attempting to manage our output to create the minimum amount of impact and our longer-term goal is to eradicate non-recyclable waste from our systems.
Paper
We have increased our range of substrates that are produced from sustainable stocks and we work closely with our suppliers to understand the best papers available, their characteristics and best uses. Did you know that paper could be recycled up to 5 times?
Our fastest growing product in this area is Greencoat Offset – a 70% recycled bond paper with great brightness and a very clean finish… there's no excuse not to try it!
Don't be mistaken in the belief that all recycled paper is environmentally friendly. Many brands undergo heavy bleaching in order to improve surface brightness and this can have its own negative impact on the planet.
Waste paper quantities are also reduced thanks to the efficiency of our Heidelberg SM52 press with short make-ready capability and also our state-of-the-art digital press, the HP Indigo 3050 that combines great quality with short run efficiency...
- No plates means no chemicals – a vast improvement on our waste production
- Customers can order exact quantities required, rather than over-ordering as per larger litho runs - which is often thrown away
- The set-up on a Digital Print run is usually less than 6 sheets
- Digital inks are 'held' on press until they are used – meaning negligible ink wastage
All waste paper generated by our production process is then recycled by UK Paper.
Transport
We have recently invested in a new Vauxhall Vivaro van that produces much greater fuel efficiency than our previous model. Despite rumours, this was NOT a horse and cart.
Advanced despatch planning has enabled us to reduce our mileage by over 4% in the past 12 months – not a major victory but still a step in the right direction. Web-based traffic monitoring also helps us to avoid some lengthy delays on the road – reducing pollution in the process.
We have also recently invested in a new, energy efficient Electric forklift truck, disposing of the out-dated, noisy and very smelly old gas-powered engine version. If nothing else, at least we've made our neighbours happier!
Chemicals
Some of the chemicals we use in our production processes are hazardous and cannot be recovered. We ensure that these are stored, used and disposed of in accordance with the latest Environmental Legislation and that we never retain bulk waste containers for longer than is necessary, reducing the chances of spillage, fire and explosion. Other by-products can be recovered and these are disposed of in a similar manner.
Our core supplier of pressroom products, Ultrachem Ltd, is also our chosen waste disposal agent. Used chemical containers are now recycled - vastly reducing our waste streams. Ultrachem Waste Management Services ensure that our waste is disposed of in a safe and compliant manner.
A full, detailed site survey has improved our waste management process and reduced our overall waste production significantly.