Environmental Policy Statement
Calverts is a common ownership design and print co-operative, where the members have control over working processes and conditions. Our environmental policy has evolved over 30 years, as an outcome of Calverts' ethos as a socially responsible business, and in support of our clients' own corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental policies.
Design and print affect the environment. Calverts is therefore implementing an environmental management system to the requirements of ISO 14001 to reduce our negative environmental impacts.
We are committed to comply with or exceed the requirements of environmental legislation and other environmental initiatives to which we subscribe, which include the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code, Greenmark and The FSC chain of custody. We are also committed to the prevention of pollution and continual improvement.
Our objectives are to
- Reduce our carbon emissions
- Reduce the impact of paper use on natural resources
- Improve resource efficiency and recycling
We have set up programmes to achieve this with targets and time scales.
For further details on specific environmental initiatives please hover over the icons above or get in touch.
COMPUTER TO PLATE
Calverts has invested in computer-to-plate technology which dispenses with film entirely. In 2009 we installed a processless plate system dispensing with the need for developer.
PRINTING
Calverts runs Heidelberg litho and Xerox digital printing presses. Every investment in new technology is guided by its potential for reducing waste and improving environmental performance.
INK AND SOLVENTS
We have reduced our output of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) by converting to vegetable oil (rather than mineral oil) based inks. Waste ink is removed and transported by licensed carriers where
it is broken down to a non-hazardous liquid by bio-digestion.
INK TINS AND PLATES
Licensed carriers remove used ink tins and plates. Some are used as fuel and others crushed, melted down and reused as pure aluminium.
PLASTICS
All plastic containers are removed by licensed carriers where they are shredded, bulked in 20 tonne loads and passed onto the building industries for use in the production of plastic products such as drainpipes.
PAPER
Calverts encourages its clients to use post-consumer recycled and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers.
NOISE REDUCTION
Calverts has limited working hours to exclude night work, as we operate in a semi-residential neighbourhood. We have made noise reduction a prerequisite in the siting, purchase and installation of replacement equipment.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Calverts have a renewable energy contract where a percentage of energy use is generated from hydroelectric and wind-power.
When replacing equipment we will seek to purchase items that are energy efficient and will donate redundant equipment to charities or organisations which reuse or recycle.
