Head of instantprint, Jon Constantine-Smith, explains “The ethos throughout [the company] is focused around being as environmentally friendly as possible”. For the Rotherham-based printing specialist, regular “War on Waste” meetings have led to the adoption of several initiatives that underpin the company’s green strategy.
In a market that perhaps comes under greater scrutiny for its carbon footprint, instantprint is taking a lead – with recycling one of its main areas of focus.
The origins of instantprint’s “War on Waste”
Each member of instantprint’s 400-strong workforce at their Rotherham plant are in tune with the company’s approach. “War on Waste” meetings first started to monitor waste output in all areas of the business. It is having a huge impact on operations – including a 53% reduction in the number of sheets wasted in their lithographic printing streams.
This ethos remains as important to company Co-Founders Adam Carnell and James Kinsella as ever. But instantprint is not alone in its efforts. The company is seeing a growing demand from its small business customers for eco-friendly products. So, to cater for an ever-more conscious consumer base, instantprint unveiled its first fully recycled stock in September 2018.
Near-total recycling
Recycling is a core pillar in business card specialists, instantprint’s “War on Waste”. It is not just the fully recycled stock available on most key products such as flyers, leaflets and business cards. The business is at a point where almost all waste produce is recycled. This path to being 97% recycled is driven by Quality and Compliance Manager, Richard Crow.
It is a collaborative effort, however.
From working with waste management firms to training up internal staff, stakeholders at each stage of the process are involved. “Regular training is issued to staff so they can identify and properly recycle all stocks that instantprint offer,” says Constantine-Smith. “Regular refresher courses are also part of this.”
An approach backed up by accreditation
Internal waste reduction reviews may form the backbone of instantprint’s “War on Waste” as a printing specialist. But the company’s efforts go further still.
ISO certification is a key step to recognising the continuing review, measurement and reduction of its carbon footprint. In 2006, the company achieved ISO 9001 quality system certification. It also holds ISO 14001 environmental system certification. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing towards the ISO 14001:2015 family of environmental management standards.
In addition to ISO certification, instantprint is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It means clear steps are taken to ensure its paper is sourced from forests or supply chains that meet strict social, economic and environmental standards. With this, the company can add the FSC logo to all paper-based products for customers who request it.
What does the future hold for instantprint’s “War on Waste”?
instantprint’s “War on Waste” is being fought on many fronts. “[We] are currently in the process of looking at becoming more self-sufficient when it comes to energy,” reveals Constantine-Smith. “We are in the process of selecting a solar panel provider to hit our target of becoming 40% self-sufficient.”
On perhaps a smaller scale, however, is a desire for every staff member take on the green ethos as an individual. It starts at the employee’s own desk, where all PCs must be switched off before going home. But the company’s efforts also extend to lifestyle choices – such as cycling to work.
The company is a regular host for Rotherham Council’s cycling hub. This offers a free bike check-up service. Meanwhile, a variety of bikes are available to loan from the company free of charge.
instantprint also recognises that it needs to keep up its work to reshape public perceptions of the print sector. Constantine-Smith explains: “There’s a general perception that print is unsustainable. In fact, a recent survey by twosides.info shows that 60% of consumers believe that European forests are shrinking. In fact, they’ve actually grown by 44,000km² over the past 10 years!”
The “War on Waste” is bringing its rewards for instantprint. By committing to sustainability, it is enabling the company to grow. In 2019, it invested £6.5m in its printing facility. It has also seen an increase in headcount from 350 employees to 400.
The company even reveals that half of prospective candidates talk about the environment when applying for roles. It is no doubt helpful, therefore, that instantprint can point towards the concerted work it is doing to find new ways of reducing its own impact on the world around it.
