This article was authored by Bright Print Group joint managing director Debbie Burgess and first appeared in the Nov 2021 issue of Australian Printer
Considering the environmental aspects and sustainability of the consumables used is one of the foundation principles of the Bright Print Group’s internal management system
Many more companies and individuals are realising that we have a responsibility to protect our planet and to engage in practices that will ensure its survival for future generations. The printing industry, because of past scrutiny, is probably more acutely aware of sustainable options than a lot of other industries and consciously chooses to develop consumable alternatives that considers the entire life cycle of the product.
As a race, we generate so much waste every day. If as an organisation, we can do our bit to reduce that waste, or ensure what waste we produce is recyclable, then we know we are doing out little bit for the environment.
Considering the environmental aspects and sustainability of the consumables we use is one of the foundation principles of the Bright Print Group’s internal management system. These ISO accredited procedures have shaped the culture of the company and direct the overriding criteria for the purchases we make.
We look for items and materials that have either been produced in an ethical and sustainable manner, with as little waste or packaging as possible, that have recyclable components and/or can be disposed of responsibly.
We also re-visit different areas of the business to see where there may be new offerings or options. At the moment, we are reviewing environmentally friendly alternative wide format substrates. Our account managers have a guide that outlines options for clients looking to use materials that are recyclable or that maximise any sustainable qualities in this area.
We currently have an arrangement with Corex to pick up production waste from jobs using polypropylene and corflute giving us another recycling stream in the factory.
This approach was a natural progression for our company to take. As part of achieving ISO9001 Quality Management System and ISO14001 Environmental Management System accreditations in 1994 and 2008 respectively, the directors wanted to ensure efficiency and sustainability in all areas of operation.
The desire was to embrace the highest standards for production and purchasing methods. Both directors firmly believe that we have a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint in every way possible and adopting procedures for consumables purchasing that are linked to sustainability is a key operational decision, and tangible way we can help our environment. Reviewing what we purchased and how we purchased was a vital part of our sustainability journey and continues to be.
More and more of our clients are interested in what it is that’s used to create their prints. We are increasingly asked about things like whether our inks are vegetable based, what FSC accredited papers we can recommend, and if we are using bio-wrap for mailing publications.
Clients want to be able to make decisions about how the products they buy are manufactured, and what will happen to that product when it is no longer required. It therefore makes commercial sense, as well as environmental sense to offer sustainable options wherever possible.
Sometimes tackling something simply is the most effective way to make change. Companies can start by making small changes; analysing what they use, who their supplier is and determining if there is a better alternative.
It can also be a way of rationalising and minimising spend at the same time. Maybe reviewing practice that has been in place for years with no other reason than ‘we’ve always done it that way’ can open the door to making sustainable choices that could yield surprising results.
Not all companies will be able to maintain formal environmental accreditations, but they certainly have the power to decide how they buy and consume within their own businesses.
With COVID obviously dominating every aspect of life, it would be brave to speculate what the shape of consumer behaviour is going to look like in the next few months. However, we at Bright Print Group will continue to liaise with our suppliers in keeping up with new developments regarding sustainable consumables options and any supply chain issues that may evolve – as we always have.
Our production team has close relationships with our suppliers, which allows us to strategically plan for the next phase post lockdown and service our clients with the seamless standards they expect.
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