Caring for the Environment is fundamental to everything we do
Print4All has committed itself to a general policy of minimising the impact of its operations on the environment and will continue to develop good economic, social and environmental practices using, wherever possible, sustainable and renewable resources. We as Print4All recognise the importance of a sound environmental policy and have committed ourselves to a programme of continual review and improvement.
Pre-Press Department
Print4All uses a CTP imaging system which does not require any chemicals to produce a plate, reducing its impact on the environment. CTP systems have been proven to be over 40% more energy efficient than using an imagesetter and older platemakeing system.
Press Department
Using the latest litho press technology to reduce setup to an absolute minimum with our CTP technology makes our makeready times to an absolute minimum, this reduces energy costs, waste paper and reduces ink usage.
Inks
We use eco friendly inks for litho printing. These are much less damaging to the environment than conventional petroleum based ink. Also these inks contain only trace elements of volatile compounds and toxic metals the bulk of the ink is made from sustainable raw materials.
Paper
Print4All is also on the path of the FSC Chain-of-Custody certification, one of the highest standards for environmental accountability. Then our customers can print fully FSC-certified documents when utilising our 100% recycled, FSC-certified paper stocks.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a not-for-profit international organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC is among the most widely recognized forest certification programs.
We currently source ALL our paper from FSC certified paper mills and suppliers only.
Listed below are some of the practices that have already been adopted.
1) Waste Management
a) Strict procedures are in place for the disposal of waste toners, chemicals, fluorescent tubes and other hazardous waste to ensure that they are disposed of correctly. For example, our ammonia and waste chemicals from the Litho Department are returned to the manufacturers for recycling or disposal.
b) Computer printer cartridges are returned to the manufacturers for recycling.
c) Good quality “waste”, such as the end of paper rolls, off-cuts of foam board and card and surplus or obsolete stock, is passed on to various local schools and charities free of charge.
d) All paper off-cuts and card board is collected in special skips and collected weekly by recycling company.
e) Wooden pallets are collected by paper suppliers for reuse.
g) All used aluminum plates are taken to/or collected by a local merchant for recycling.
2) Energy Policy
a) Energy and water consumption levels are continually monitored.
b) We are upgrading our premises to improve the insulation and heat conservation levels in our buildings.
c) Waste Hippos’ have been installed where appropriate in all branches.
d) We are currently investigating solar energy for our heating & lighting.
3) Use of renewable resources
a) Porcelain tea/coffee mugs and glasses are used throughout the Company rather than disposable items.
b) All paper used is produced from sustainable farmed forests and elemental chlorine free or recycled product unless specified by the client.
4) Pollution
a) Print4All has developed a fantastic relationship with courier companies such as TNT, Palletways, Parcel Force, Royal Mail and smaller courier companies for our same day and next day collection and delivery service hence reducing the impact on environment by NOT having our own company vehicles.
b) The Company has a programme of replacing older machinery and equipment with modern, environmentally friendly processes where possible, to minimise the impact on the environment.
5) Health and Safety
a) The Company has a policy of providing a healthy and safe environment. This is reinforced with the appropriate accident records, fire policy and risk assessment procedures.
b) The Company operates a no-smoking policy in all branches.
6) Other practises
a) Our management team are working as a group on ‘Waste Minimisation’ at the point of production.
b) Emphasis is on printing the job correctly the first time to reduce waste.
c) We have a programme for economising on water consumption:
d) Cisterns and urinals have water saving devices.
e) Water taps have automatic cut-off systems.