1)  The Paper Manufacturers
2009 saw many manufacturers acknowledging the importance of FSC and converting existing papers and boards to FSC certified – which means that we can continue to expand our range of products and meet our environmental principles.

2)  Prima Paper
Kent based Prima Paper enables us to meet our target of recycling 100% of all our printing make-ready and paper trim – taking all of our waste paper, cardboard and plastic wrap for recycling.

3)  EaK Design
Deciding to single out one customer for a special mention, EaK Design is it.  Ellie and Kate of EaK Design are testimony to the fact that small can make a big difference.  I am constantly amazed at the efforts these two ladies employ to ensure the many varied projects they embark upon are as green as possible – and proud to say that we work closely with them on their print related ventures.

EaK and ALP collaboration

4)  Our Customers
I know that our fantastic prices lead many customers to our website, but once they reach us it is gratifying how many of them appreciate that they can green their statements by using our Recycled or FSC products.  With repeat business on the increase, a big ‘high five’ to them all!

5)  Twitter
The most fantastic way of keeping up with all the environmental news. views and events – plus it is a fun way to loose a few minutes each day!  Follow us on Twitter

The Woodland Trust has already announced its 2009 Christmas Cards recyling scheme commencing in January 2010 at a number of High Street stores.  During January this year, 59 million Christmas cards were recycled which in turn enabled the Trust to plant 14,000 trees and replenish our native woodlands.

If you are still hoarding old cards from last year (funny how they get put away with the decorations!) why not re-use them as gift tags on this years presents?

We love getting cards at Christmas.  It is the excuse that links us to family and friends that we don’t keep in touch with on a regular basis.  With time in short supply, especially at Christmas, why not ensure that this year your cards are truly personal by designing your own and having them printed.  We print our ethical Christmas cards on recycled and/or FSC boards using vegeable oil based inks or eco-toners.  Starting from 25 cards all the way up to 1000 there is no better time to plan your own unique card!

Printed on 100% recycled board by A Local Printer

There is no argument that a real tree is more eco-friendly than an artificial one.  A real tree may only be on display for a few weeks but artificial trees are kept for an average of six years before being sent to Christmas tree heaven, landfill, where they last forever and ever……

Be eco-savy when sourcing the perfect tree from which to hang your baubles.  To ensure your tree has come from a sustainable source check that it carries the FSC logo - or go and dig it up yourself!  The British Christmas Tree Growers Association has a comprehensive list of sites throughout the UK where you can choose a tree and take it home, freshly picked!  If it is possible to re-plant your tree after the last strand of tinsel has been put away then buy a tree with roots and cherish it for years to come, but if replanting is not an option most local councils now offer tree recycling schemes which convert them in to mulch.

Finally, once the tree is decorated it is time to pile all the presents underneath.  Keep the green theme by using eco-friendly wrapping paper printed on recycled and/or FSC certified paper.

Taking the Plunge

Launching a new business can be exciting and challenging in equal measures.  At A Local Printer we work closely with many start up companies, printing their new business stationery and marketing materials.  We also provide a full design service for all of the products that we sell because we know that not everyone is a designer!  Based entirely in the UK and printing all of our products under our own roof, we are only a ‘phone call away from design guidance, material identification and general  product advice.

Promote your business with special offers or a sale – increase your audience through poster power!  Publicising a gig, concert, festival or fair?  The poster is your route to the audience.

Posters from A Local Printer are printed exclusively on FSC certified papers – either 170gsm super smooth silk art or the eco favourite 150gsm uncoated 100% recycled.

Posing as a poster?
Let your imagination run riot – calendars, wall planners, instructive or informative notices, showcase or look-books, mini-brochure or price lists.  A poster can be all of these and more besides.

Top Tip – We register change.  Review and renew your poster advertising regularly to maximise the efficiency of your campaigns.

Eco-friendly Packaging from ALP

Cartonboard itself is about as eco-friendly as you can get, with up to 80% of the content sourced from sustainable forests or  containing a high proportion of recycled post consumer waste.

At ALP we have worked with a number of companies and agencies to develop new eco-friendly packaging ranges specifically requiring eco-wraps, boxes or sleeves.  So if you have something scrummy that you need all wrapped up give us a call on 01903 742003 and let’s see if we can help!

Defra Green Claims Code – ISO 14021 in Plain English

Yes, those industrious chaps at the International Organisation for Standards have even published an ISO standard for environmental claims. As with all ISO standards there is a cost involved to download the standard and then a degree course required to actually understand what it is the standard is saying. Luckily, DEFRA publish their own Green Claims Code which takes in to account this ISO standard and is explained in plain English! Whilst this may smack a little of “money for old rope” (which I am all for in terms of re-use and recycling) it does offer clarity on the use of, and types of, environmental claim – including the universally recognised and often misleading Mobius Loop.

In order to use the FSC Logo, Printers must be certified with a valid Chain of Custody. A common misconception is that it is ok to label a job as “Printed on FSC Certified Paper”, without using the logo. In fact, this is not permissable without certification either.

I was compelled to blog about this after reading an article in Printweek in which FSC representative Roise Teasdale confirms confusion in the industry is leading to misuse of the FSC claim by some Printers.

So what’s the big deal? According to Teasdale “Misuse of the trademarks is followed up and there is the option of taking legal action if required”. So clearly the industry needs to get its act together!

What does all this mean for customers? Well, my advice would be to clarify that your Printer has a valid “Chain of Custody” if you want to use FSC Paper and say so on your printed matter. That said, misuse of the logo will get the Printers into trouble, not the customer!

To learn more our article on FSC Papers and Printing might be useful and our Environmental Websites page links you through to sites where you can find Printers who are approved FSC Suppliers.

Full disclosure: A Local Printer is an FSC Approved Supplier. Our Chain of Custody number is CU-COC-805814

The new section, aptly named “The Green Room” gives existing UKBF members with an interest in such matters a natural home to discuss the issues, and is bound to attract new members who were previously reliant on using niche Forums and websites to discuss these business issues and to find information.

Why is the UKBF Green Room so Important?

Quite simply, it brings environmental issues to the forefront of consideration for the UKBF audience, namely small business owners and start-ups.

Previously, this information would be considered secondary, niche or marginal to many owner operators. Bringing the discussion to the fore can only be a good thing, especially when you consider that over 50% of business GDP and employment is provided by the small business community in the UK.

In a word, it takes the subject “mainstream”.

UKBF should be applauded for this development

This means the European Union is on target to meet a commitment to recycle 66% of its paper by 2010, representing an uplift of nearly 10% from 2004 when the targets were first measured.

The figures, announced in this press release, put the Europeans at the forefront of global recycled paper production – ahead of Asia and the USA.

The Recycling Statistics at a Glance:

• 58.2 million tonnes of paper were recycled in 2006.
• This represents an uplift of 9.8% on 2004.
• 63.4% of all paper in the EU is now recycled.
• The EU target to recycle 66% of paper by 2010 is within reach.
• Meeting this target means 2000 tonnes of paper will be recycled every second.
• Paper consumption rose by 2.6% in 2006, but recycled production rose by 3.3% in the same period.

It is encouraging this has been achieved without legislation. Paper manufacturers have embraced the challenge put to the industry and this commitment is fuelled by the growing trend of business and consumer demand for recycled paper.

5 Reasons Why Using Recycled Paper Is Great

1. All paper we recycle equates to an equal reduction in landfill waste – a problem for today and future generations.
2. The manufacture of recycled paper uses far less power than starting with virgin fibre, thus preserving precious energy resources.
3. Using recycled pulp reduces the pressure on our forests and the need to fell trees.
4. Increased supply and demand for recycled paper means lower prices.
5. Using recycled paper is a great marketing strategy to promote your business and affirm you CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility.

It is inspiring to know that paper recycling is becoming the norm in Europe