NEED TO KNOW / BEING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS 71 www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2023 - Issue 344 lifecycles, and encouraging and informing on the reusable hardware Very offers its customers. Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of Very Displays, says: “We have already taken steps to ensure we maximise space on all containers resulting in less journeys, reduced our material wastage, invested in a more efficient printer, only sourcing LED lighting, all delivery boxes are made from recycled material, 100% of our products are reusable, and much more.” Some of the challenges when it comes to implementing sustainable practices that Corcoran reports experiencing include myth-busting and the recycling process. “There are a lot of conflicting thoughts about what companies should and shouldn’t be doing, what materials are best, what route the industry should be taking, etc. We are taking small and considered steps in everything we decide to do to ensure it truly makes a difference and benefits the planet and customers. We’re paving our own way and educating customers along the journey. “Secondly, we are working hard to understand every part of every product we offer (plus graphics) and what the journey and lifecycle of that can be. Unfortunately, the infrastructure and available recycling outlets for certain materials in the UK provide us with a challenge; one we’re working to understand and find alternatives to combat.” Challenges aside, Corcoran highlights some of the benefits of working to be greener such as showing you are pro-active, responsible, and trustworthy. “This may influence a customer’s purchasing decision when looking for a supply partner,” she adds. “It’s also a necessity now that we can’t ignore as an industry, and rightly so.” Measure Your Impact And last but not least, there are a number of industry initiatives that any business can take advantage of to improve their sustainability. One example of this is PrintReleaf, a sustainability platform that empowers printers and packaging companies to make a significant impact by offsetting their paper and fibre-based materials consumption. With companies becoming more aware of their environmental impact, they are seeking ways to mitigate this impact and demonstrate commitment to the cause, and PrintReleaf offers a way for businesses to implement this. Julie Ach, senior marketing manager, explains: “PrintReleaf’s approach is both innovative and practical. The process begins with accurately measuring the paper and fibre-based materials consumption of a business with their automated platform. This provides a clear understanding of the environmental impact, enabling companies to address their forest footprint in a meaningful way. “PrintReleaf analyses the data and calculates the number of trees used to produce the paper and fibre-based materials, in addition to determining the carbon emissions associated with their production. PrintReleaf ensures that for every sheet, pound, or kilogram of paper or fibre-based materials used, an equivalent number of trees are replanted in certified forests dedicated to conservation and restoration.” PrintReleaf also offers Verra Certified Carbon Offsets to offset the carbon emissions associated with the production of paper and fibre-based materials. These carbon reduction projects have undergone rigorous third-party verification and facilitate the reduction of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, mitigating and combating climate change. As mentioned previously, as well as the obvious – improving the state of the environment and climate change – being a sustainable business can also enable companies to gain new business, win tenders, improve their reliability and trustworthiness, as well as align with the demands of customers. PrintReleaf is a tangible way of showing to customers and other regulating bodies that you are implementing change and taking steps to improve your impact. One product feature included for all Print Releaf partners and end-users is a unique QR code on print jobs and packaging that links back to a profile page which shows the positive environmental impact that’s being made. With all this said, there are a number of ways you can implement sustainable practices in your business and the great news is there are so many companies already paving the way to a greener future. There are a lot of conflicting thoughts about what companies should and shouldn’t be doing, what materials are best, and what route the industry should be taking ▲ PrintReleaf partners and endusers can use a unique QR code on print jobs and packaging to show the positive environmental impact that’s being made
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