ENVIRONMENT / NEWS email: news@signlink.co.uk Issue 245 - February / March 2023 18 Signs Express invests in Net Zero Signs Express has announced it is working with Carbon Neutral Britain to determine the carbon footprint of its near-60 different centres. The signs and graphics franchise has detailed its carbon neutral status for 2023 and its drive to improve the environmental impact of the company as a whole. Director of Signs Express Limited, Aaron Davis, says the latest news is a “fabulous first step for Signs Express” and is helping to “raise awareness for these important issues across our network.” Signs Express has pointed to the fact that the industry has been traditionally creative and innovative, but the materials, machinery, and waste used has led to large carbon outputs. Due to this, the franchise has gathered data across a 12-month period, measuring carbon emissions from each centre’s operating activities, production machinery, and power outputs, along with the floorspace, to determine a clear picture of the franchise’s carbon footprint. The emissions have then been offset by supporting global reforestation projects which help education, employment, clean water, and local wildlife and ecology. Davis comments: “Far from being a token gesture, this is an important first step on a much longer journey and a broader set of environmental commitments, as we work towards Net Zero Carbon. “We constantly monitor the supply chain for new products and ideas and share these across our network, to keep centre managers informed and up to date. We offer customers a growing range of greener products and services and reduce our waste to landfill through improved waste management systems (with trials already in place with Reconomy).” David adds: “We feel this is very timely as the UK signage industry and suppliers come to terms with regulation, the need for every business to be environmentally considerate, and of course the growing number of customers who want more environmentally sustainable options. FESPA UK launches Sustainable Waste Academy FESPA UK Association has announced the launch of its latest project in order to drive environmental awareness through the print, signage, and graphics industries. The Sustainable Waste Academy will be a three-stage programme which will educate attendees on a range of different environmental issues. The first event was held at FESPA UK’s Sustainability Training Room at its headquarters in South Yorkshire on September 27th. The one-day courses are delivered by Jon Hutton, director at Reconomy and the Sustainable Waste Consultant at FESPA UK, and educate businesses about the different aspects of waste management. The course gives an overview of the key areas in waste management and covers important topics such as changing attitudes, greenwashing, and how contractors handle and process waste. Hutton explains: ‘’During these engaging courses, I’ll delve into areas such as developing a waste management strategy for today's graphics consumer markets; the circular economy; the UK’s Waste Industry and Recycling Industry infrastructures; and a how-to roadmap for a sustainable waste management Journey. “This will enable businesses to identify more suitable materials and help brand their business as sustainable. You’ll be acquiring the tools and understanding to make a positive impact, differentiate projects, and meet the expectations of an increasingly conscious world.’’ Suzi Ward, managing director at FESPA UK, adds: “There is also a lack of clarity and a huge gap in understanding the reality of waste management and what is achievable within print and signage. “Both Jon and I are passionate about being able to offer businesses the opportunity to grow their knowledge in a way that will empower them to have open and honest conversations with their clients about what can realistically be achieved with their end-of-use products.” The event will have a range of materials from suppliers on hand for attendees to consider and give businesses the chance to network and share ideas with like-minded people. The new courses will be delivered from 10am to 3pm and include lunch and networking opportunities By David Osgar Signs Express is working with Carbon Neutral Britain which is the UK’s Carbon Offsetting Initiative to help battle climate change By David Osgar
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