We all have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet, and at Capital Print (formerly Kall Kwik City) we can help provide options that can do just that.
Not only is the right thing to do, it’s also becoming a key priority for companies keen to demonstrate their green credentials to their customers who are putting sustainability high up on the agenda.
As a print business we use a lot of paper every day. Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world (in Europe 74% of paper is recycled*) and its use epitomises the circular economy.
Consider using recycled paper
Over the years the choice and quality of recycled papers has increased significantly, offering improved whiteness and comparable print performance as non-recycled paper. Recycled papers are made from post-consumer waste and use less energy, water and produce lower carbon emissions than virgin paper.
We offer a wide range of recycled papers to our customers across the UK so when you are considering your next print project why not see what recycled options are available and together we can make a difference.
Sustainably managed forests
We buy our paper from suppliers who are able to provide high quality products with high sustainability credentials. A number of schemes exist to ensure forests are sustainably managed. The two most recognised are the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™).
Three quarters of Brits agree that healthy forests are of crucial importance in the fight against climate change, with 63% wanting reassurance about the forest products that they buy**. FSC certified forests are managed to strict environmental, social and economic standards and globally 195 million hectares of forest are certified to FSC standards.
The print industry relies on a sustainable source of forests and following the harvesting of trees replanting is an essential part of the process and between 2005 and 2020 European forests grew by over 1,500 football pitches every day.
Carbon balanced paper and carbon capture
We are also able to offer carbon balanced paper and board to help in the protection and restoration of carbon-rich wildlife habitats.
To offset the unavoidable emissions from the production and distribution of paper and board, we are signed up to the Woodland Trust’s Carbon Capture Scheme and pay a Carbon Capture Charge on all our paper purchases. The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK.
Carbon Balanced Paper is a simple way for organisations to reduce the carbon impacts of their printed communications, reducing their carbon footprint and impacts on climate change. Carbon Balancing is where the carbon impacts of a product or service have been estimated and an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide is either prevented from being released into, or is absorbed from, the atmosphere. Check with us to see what options are available to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Kraft papers
The use of Kraft paper and board has increased over recent years as the trend towards more natural looking materials continues. Perfect for stylish wedding invitations and creative print projects, the production of Kraft paper doesn’t involve the use of bleach to whiten the sheet which is a big environmental benefit. Kraft paper provides a natural looking aesthetic which can compliment the message you are trying to portray.
Digital short run printing – print just what you need.
Capital Print have been long term advocates of the benefits of digital printing and our ability to offer short run printing means that you only need to order what you actually require. No longer do you have to order thousands and then end up throwing away what you don’t need. Digital print means we can produce very small quantities economically, reducing wastage and benefitting your pocket.
PVC-free banners
Typically banners are used for short term use, often to promote an event, or to attract passing traffic. Once the event is over they tend to be simply thrown away as there isn’t an easy or economic way to recycle this material. Historically banners are made from PVC and yet environmentally PVC is falling out of favour as businesses try to find more sustainable products to use.
In recent years significant progress has been made to develop PVC-free banners and we can offer both PVC-free banners and mesh banners, as well as PVC-free roller banners.
Why is PVC so bad? The biggest problem is it is not widely recycled, so at the end of its life it often ends up in a landfill, or it’s incinerated, releasing all its harmful chemicals into the environment.
By using PVC-free materials, when the banners are eventually finished with, harmful toxins typically found in PVC such as mercury, dioxins and furans aren’t released into the environment.
These are just some of the ways we can provide a more sustainable solution for our customers, and we will continue to focus on providing more sustainable print options going forward. For print that doesn’t cost the earth, contact the team at Capital Print to see how together, we can all make a difference.
*Cepi, Key Statistics, 2021
**Survey by Kantar