Printer's Environmental Effort Above Minimum Level

Blackmore has become one of less than 100 UK printing companies that have invested in reducing its environmental impact over the legal minimum requirements.

That is in the opinion of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth on a new website that features printing companies that have proven their environmental commitment through accreditation.

According to the website, there are at least 10,000 printers in the UK and amongst those listed on the website that are in the top one per cent of the UK's 'greenest' printers is Blackmore.

The website is supported by Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, the BPIF, WWF and the Soil Association.

Blackmore said that not only has it invested in a brand new press that minimises the impact on the environment, the company also holds the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard award.

Those developments have resulted in Blackmore reducing land fill waste by 70 per cent, reducing energy consumption and water usage by 80 per cent and reducing VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions by three tonnes.

The company is currently working towards gaining an FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) award, which will mean that all products printed by Blackmore on FSC certified materials can carry the FSC logo, confirming that the material has been tracked from the forest through to the end product.

Blackmore's sales director, Aubrey Aviss, said: "We recognise that print companies need to take their responsibilities seriously to help minimise the impact on the environment.

That's why we've made huge investments to offer our clients superb quality print, whilst being kinder on the environment." Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth print buyer, David Shorto, said: "It's important for print specifiers to consider the environmental awareness and performance of their chosen printers.

In my day to day roles, I take every opportunity to remind people of this.

I am delighted to include Blackmore's details within the new website." Blackmore, which is soon to celebrate its centenary, is a printer specialising in cold set web and promotional print.

the company is part of the T H Brickell group, which has a combined turnover of GBP12 million and employs 110 staff.

The company added that it is also looking to acquire additional printing firms as part of the group's expansion plans.

The Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace supported website can be found at http://www.ppe.uk.net.

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