Sustainable Working

We have taken a series of steps to reduce the environmental impact of the materials we use. These include:

• Upgrading aluminium plates to use thermofuse technology. RESULT: less cleaning, no developer required and a significant reduction in water usage.
• Replacing conventional petroleum based inks with vegetable based inks. RESULT: lower rates of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and paper is recycled more easily.
• Inks are supplied in large drums instead of smaller ink tins. RESULT: the drums are re-used saving large numbers of tins having to be recycled.
• We have embarked upon an alcohol reduction programme on our litho presses.
• Hardback covers and endpapers are from FSC® sources.
• Coatings for laminated covers are water based.
• Recycled cardboard boxes are used for packaging products.
• The shrink-wrap used for packaging products is biodegradable.
• Where possible packaging materials are re-used to package own goods.

Further resource efficiency projects and initiatives include:

• Machinery which uses compressed air has automatic shut off valves. RESULT: air is not left on when the machinery is not in use.
• Lighting in the toilets and corridors, and in some offices, is fitted with motion sensors. RESULT: lights will only turn on when presence is detected.
• Timers are fitted to non-production equipment e.g. vending machines. RESULT: they are automatically turned off when the factory is closed.
• A Power Perfector was installed in 2006 to optimise and improve source voltage. RESULT: a 15% reduction in energy use.
• An electric tug is used to transport goods to and from the warehouse.
• Deliveries are batched together where possible to reduce the number of journeys taken.
• Save a Flush bags are installed in every toilet. RESULT: a saving of 0.3Cm3 of water per day.