2004 Big Tick winner

Big Tick winner in 2004

2005 Big Tick winner

Re-accredited in 2005

Big tick winner

Kent Art Printers Ltd - Giving Printing an Ethical Focus

Impact on Society Award for a Small Company 2004 in association with Tomorrow’s Company

Kent Art Printers (KAP) is a small to medium-sized family-owned printing company based in Chatham, Kent with 35 employees. In 1990 the directors started considering cleaner print techniques, one of which was "alcohol-free" printing. By the end of 1990, the press-room was running without the use of Isopropyl Alcohol, a Volatile Organic Compound, which combines with other pollutants to cause ground level ozone.

Processes

In more recent times, use of sustainable vegetable inks, internet-based proofing, and digital 'print on demand' have all been of benefit to the environment. Renewable wind based energy is used to power their site and they are committed to reducing waste to landfill through efficient sorting of waste, recycling or reusing where possible.

The staff at KAP also benefit from a longstanding commitment to improve the workplace. The press-room runs on a single shift, with low overtime dependence. KAP offers accredited training programmes and printing 'alcohol-free' creates a healthier working environment for employees.

KAP sponsors an award at the local art college, where the winning students see a project through from design to the printed job, and a local school visits KAP as part of its science curriculum.

KAP also actively supports local charities by donating money, staff time, printing and other resources. Work placements for students are provided, and there is a link with a French Lycée to provide a place for a trilingual student.

KAP benefits from its environmental work by having a niche in the market as a 'green' and 'socially responsible' printer and provides an 'open door' through the local Enviroprint network for other printers to see how alcohol-free and other environmental improvements have been implemented.

Environmental and CSR issues and achievements are reported on KAP's website, through internal newsletters, technical briefing sheets, press releases and mailers.

Impact

  • Every year approximately 2 tonnes of Isopropyl Alcohol are saved – equivalent to £2600 in value and resulting in cleaner air for the local community due to reduced VOC emissions
  • Waste reduction and recycling programme in 2003 resulted in 35% reduction (93 cubic metres) in skip use. This is equivalent to £560 in value
  • A waste reduction and maintenance programme in 2003 resulted in a 25% saving of water used – equivalent to 250,000 litres, which at current rates costs £385
  • Greater local authority recognition, with work awarded because of green and ethical credentials, and many new ‘green and ethical’ accounts won accounting for approximately 8% of total client numbers
  • Great staff loyalty - average length of service at KAP is currently 13 years

See also