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TECHNOLOGY REPORT

supply chain also. Not for him the so-called greenwashing. And, says Popely, it won’t and manage its carbon footprint, can lead
“You have to cut through the marketing wash anyway in this day and age. the way when it comes to sustainability
bluster and understand whether or not the He’s adamant that many so-called ‘green’ companies merely pay lip within the UK manufacturing sector. But,
claims are backed up.” service to sustainability, and that it is in fact up to individuals – not he says, while there are some highlights,
There’s a hint here that there may well governments – to change. there is a lot of work still to do.
be businesses out there who talk a good “Unless individuals take a stand, nothing will change,” he stresses. He says: “I think that there is a very small
sustainable story but cannot show the real “We do get a lot of business because of our eco credentials but we also handful of companies leading the way, but
evidence. lose some because, after all, cheap will often win out.” many businesses need to modernise their
Back to the products at Northern Flags Cost is, once again, a factor, and it might be a big step for a business sustainability story. That’s not to say they
though. Why not change completely, in to change, particularly a smaller company, knowing that it could cost are not compliant, as they may well have
one fell swoop, the whole catalogue of them some income, and, therefore, profit. ISO and recycling schemes in place, but
items? Surely that could be an option? Print margins are already badly squeezed, so finances will obviously these things are the basics.
“The next step is to have sustainable be a big concern “It’s about carbon accounting, baselining
products as standard,” says Clark. “But, you Making the change the emissions and building a reduction
can’t alienate the customers, many of Popely says: “If people want to change, it is up to them. There might be plan before using credible offset schemes
whom are smaller businesses who cannot some cost restraints but there are things you can do. Change the for what they can’t reduce right now.”
afford the green premium.” electricity supplier to a renewable one. Monitor outputs, whether its Harris says that most companies cannot
Cost is a factor. But, for Clark, being a do the carbon accounting work
sustainable business is not just about electricity, mileage, or gas. If you are looking at suppliers, check if they themselves, so need to employ an advisor
have the right ISO accreditations, and check the carbon footprint of
products. or a staff member, with external
Northern Flags is looking at all aspects of products or equipment. Source things like paper from Europe in order certification or verification becoming the
the business, from installing LED sensor to cut down on transportation miles.” norm. This cost element can be a
These are useful tips. In effect, a series of small actions leading to
lights, to better hand dryers, and talking bigger change. commercial barrier. It costs money to do
with staff about any small changes they can Back in March of this year, the Kettering site of Go Inspire Eclipse, a the work.
make. division of Go Inspire Group, announced it had become the largest But he adds: “There are two key factors. I
Clark adds: “The whole team has to be believe legislation is coming that will force
fully invested in the green ethos, and we commercial printer in the country to offer its customers Carbon all businesses to address the issue. The
Balanced Print, meaning it had been newly certified to have its carbon
include suppliers too. The momentum in emissions offset by World Land Trust (WLT). current legislation only covers a very small
the industry is huge at the moment and we
percentage of businesses, mainly large
Buying into the expected should all be helping to keep that pressure certified, meaning that print production across its Kettering and business via SECR.
Printweek has now learned that the whole Go Inspire Group is now
on.”
“Mega brands really are focused on the
Leicester sites is covered.
That it is a subject that dominates the
sustainability credentials of their supply
The carbon offsetting programme at Go Inspire was begun by
print chat is undeniable. At the recent
de-carbonisation element. This is being
Visual Media Conference, sustainability innovations director Simon Hartlett, who knew that he wanted to do chain, particularly with the
green agenda presentations. But for all the chat, the drive the idea to the board. Smaller companies were doing things but there asking suppliers to have net zero targets to
something about sustainability.
was the main focus of many of the
seen in many projects, as mega brands are
He says: “I started the ball rolling, researched the market and took
work towards.
to go green isn’t being harnessed by all.
wasn’t anyone with our production capabilities doing the carbon
Why? What could put a brake on the drive
“They don’t have to be there now, but
to go green? offsetting. they will have to be working towards them.
“It’s the right thing to do for our business. There has been a lot of
Clark concludes: “There may be eternal If they want to work with the big brands,
factors, such as the current uncertainty negative press about the print industry and sustainability, but if you they will have to do it.”
look at it, people are oblivious about how much carbon is used when
around the economy and a wariness about sending an email for example.” Back at Anglia Print, the company says it
investment. However, print, by its very Go Inspire already uses certified paper, sourcing only FSC or PEFC does not do greenwash. It talks the talk and
nature, is not a historically eco-friendly walks the walk.
sector, but if this industry is thinking and stock, but Hartlett says that this is only the start of the sustainability This is another aspect that Harris
talking about sustainability, then there is journey. highlights, big brands can smell greenwash
hope for everyone.” He adds: “We work closely with companies such as Heidelberg, and a mile off. If you’re going to say the right
John Popely is managing director at with ink manufacturers to look at how we can improve all that we do, things but not evidence them, it simply
Anglia Print, which has offices in both and we’re setting up an internal group to look at where we need to won’t wash.
focus.
Norwich, Norfolk and Beccles, Suffolk. “You’d like to think that the print industry as a whole can develop a And, in agreement with Popely, Harris
He’s been in the print industry for 41 says there are things that companies large
years, but says that it “dawned on him early carbon-zero sector as technology develops around us, this is hopefully and small can be doing.
something the industry can achieve in the future, this will be a long
doors” that the print industry could be road but we have started our journey at Go Inspire.” Changing light bulbs to energy-efficient
highly detrimental to the environment. It is evident that many printers and companies allied to the sector ones is one of many simple steps that can
His company proudly shouts about its be taken. Ensuring devices are switched off
ethos, and the fact it has “been described by are doing something to reduce impact on the environment. Some are when not needed. Choosing print
Greenpeace as the UK’s most decorated well on the journey but can’t quite see the sea yet, while others are just machines where you can track energy use.
printing company in recognition of our packing the (EV) car’s boot ready to get going. Making sure buildings are insulated
array of external certifications and Keep pushing forward properly (for more, see our Technology
engagement with schemes that promote And that’s fine, says Dominic Harris, the co-founder at CarbonQuota, Feature on page 54).
and facilitate best environmental and as long as there are goals along the way to reach and they keep moving Is there any excuse for not being more
practice”. forward.CarbonQuota proudly boasts that it is “the only system that sustainably-responsible? Companies large
That’s a proud statement for all to see on brings together independent science, analytics and industry expertise and small are doing it. They’re seeing the
the Anglia Print website. And Popely is to create credible carbon emission calculations for buyers and sellers benefits. The tools are there. Maybe it’s
keen to show that the company talks the of print and packaging”. time more printers get on the sustainable
talk and also walks the walk. Harris is adamant that the printing industry, which must measure journey?
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