Take the right steps towards making a difference
Print House CEO, Brett Phillips, believes that taking the right steps towards making a difference is the key in determining how an organisation should ‘tackle’ their environmental policies.
Our approach was to gather as much information as possible so we could make informed decisions about how Print House could become part of the solution.
It was clear that there are many misconceptions in the market place about what is really going to lessen mankind’s impact on the environment and what can be done to reduce green house gases and climate change.
While supporting initiatives to reduce waste within our organisation it was clear to us that it was essential to also offer our clients some real environmentally friendly choices when deciding to purchase paper and print products.
For example with ‘fine’ commercial printing like we produce at Print House, the use of recycled paper is not necessarily the best option. Recycled paper often gives a poor print result and in reality the recycling process itself uses harmful chemicals to de-ink and whiten the paper so it can be reused.
Our preference and recommendation is to use products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests where the management guarantees continuous replanting of trees at a greater level than has been harvested.
This type of support globally has seen forest areas, specifically in Europe and North America increase significantly over the last few years and this must be a far better option than using the harmful chemicals associated with de-inking recycled paper.
Paper products are just one of many thousands of wood based products that are used on a daily basis and may have certifications.
Print House maintains operational, administration and IT systems that identify every process within the organisation with a view to enjoying sustainable business practice in all aspects of our operation.
Print House has endeavoured to lead the industry in this region for many years with the introduction of new technology and it has been important for us to take a leading role on environmental issues also.
Our aim now is to provide consumers with a better understanding of how they can make purchasing decisions that reduce their own impact on the environment.
Our environmental seminars have been well received and hopefully, over a period of time, this commitment will also encourage consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase… no matter who their supplier is.
The key is having the knowledge and being able to make informed decisions when you are purchasing paper and print products.