By Melissa Donovan
Sustainability is a top concern for many businesses and their clients. Many commercial or in-plant print providers use eco-friendliness as a differentiator between themselves and their competitors. A business’ decision makers are tasked with upholding this “green” commitment in a number of ways.
Purchasing decisions are affected, like buying eco-friendly equipment and consumables. Daily processes may be influenced such as boosting recycling options, reducing waste, and minimizing electricity usage. To promote environmental responsibility, some print providers may also achieve and maintain certification through specific organizations.
Manor Group, for example, is ISO 14001 and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited. Its goal in business as well as life is to reduce its impact on the environment. This methodology also leads the company to save money, which is essential in a tight and competitive marketplace. Its sustainability efforts set it apart from the competition.
Focus on Sustainability
Based in East Sussex, UK, Manor Group began in 1973 as a commercial lithographic printer. Today it staffs 43 employees between two separate buildings—a 9,000 square foot lithographic factory and a 2,400 square feet digital center. It serves customers across the UK and Europe, but the majority are located within 100 miles of its geographic location, offering print, office supplies, and promotional gift needs.
On the lithographic side, it operates a traditional six-color B2 format Lithrone NL628 from Komori Corporation in addition to a new B1 format Komori H-UV Green System. Its finishing services include folding, saddle stitching, cutting, creasing, barcoding, shrink wrapping, polybagging, drilling, wire binding, laminating, handing finishing, and mailing fulfilment.
For digital, the company is equipped with an iGen 150 from Xerox Corporation. This contributes to the Manor Group’s stance on sustainability, according to Paul Denne, managing director, Manor Group. Xerox collects toner units for recycling. “Knowing that the products coming from the Xerox output are fully recyclable is important to us. Other digital presses have had problems with de-inking paper. The press is also made from a large percentage of recyclable parts,” he shares.
ISO 14001 certified since April 2010 and FSC certified since 2008, the company is audited annually to maintain both accreditations. While the qualifications back up what the printer provider does, Denne is a firm believer in validating the company’s commitment with action. This means working with eco-friendly printers like the Komori H-UV Green System and Xerox iGen 150.
Employees collect paper, plastic, and aluminum for recycling daily. Pallets are used multiple times for deliveries until they are unusable. Manor Group’s staff is trained on all of these processes and internal audits are performed regularly to keep everyone up to date.
In addition, the company utilizes a 400-panel 100kw solar panel system, which provides enough power to drive the factory and feed some electric power back into the grid in the Summer. Computer-controlled gas heating maximizes energy efficiency, with Denne reporting over a 40 percent reduction in gas usage in 2015. Lights in low-use areas have motion sensors and external security lights feature daylight sensors to minimize usage.
The collective vision is summed up under the Manor Earth Pledge, which is detailed in its environmental policy and objectives statement found online. Together with its suppliers—like Komori and Xerox—Manor Group strives to limited its environmental footprint.
“Reducing our impact on the environment generally means lower utility bills and less long-term cost for the company. So, along with reducing our impact, we are saving money too, which is important in such a competitive industry,” explains Denne.
Manor Group practices sustainability with a two-fold goal, protecting the environment and saving itself money. Both objectives are met thanks to green processes like energy saving components, recycling campaigns, and the hardware it chooses to work with on a daily basis.
The next article in this two-part series profiles a U.S.-based print provider keen on maintaining sustainable practices throughout its business. dps
