The Environment & Newnorth
At Newnorth we are very aware of the importance of taking care of the environment and are committed to minimising the effect our operations have on it.
Guided by our Environmental Management Review Team and monitored and measured by KPI’s, our environmental philosophy complements everything that we do. From the FSC® papers and Vegetable inks that we use, to the equipment we purchase. Through practical issues such as the vehicles that we drive and the efficient use of energy and water, to how we dispose of our waste products. Nothing has been overlooked.
Our efforts to responsibly manage our environmental impact have led to us achieving both FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council ®) and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes), additionally our Environmental Management Systems are accredited to ISO 14001.
Papers and Inks
We encourage all of our clients to use recycled materials. We also provide advice on the recyclability of the finished product and can handle recycling of old products for clients if required. All of our main suppliers are FSC® accredited and have environmental and social responsibility policies. Most of our papers are TCF or ECF from sustainable forests. Where appropriate we use environmentally friendly inks and have reduced waste ink by installing a direct delivery to press duct system. We dispose of all the reprographic and printing wastes we produce in accordance with all current environmental legislation.
Equipment
At Newnorth we realise that the choice of equipment we use is important for a variety of reasons outside of pure productivity. When purchasing new equipment, we ensure we only invest in the most energy efficient options available. They also need to be ergonomically and practically suited to all relevant staff members, matching their needs to the equipment being used.
We take great and regular care to ensure that all of our equipment is maintained to the highest possible standard to optimise efficient use of energy.
Vehicles
As part of our commitment to monitor and control emissions, our ISO14001 procedures outline the steps taken to recognise and record all necessary safeguards. Impacts and effects are identified and their significance factor is recorded in our Environmental Aspects Register. This includes emissions to the atmosphere produced by our vehicles.
All our liveried vehicles are limited to 56mph with full satellite tracking of speed and location. We employ advanced route planning software and complement our own fleet with use of overnight trunk vehicles, which has reduced our carbon footprint by 7%.
Energy and Water
The supply of our energy is monitored with a view to finding the most environmentally aware supplier. J&G Environmental, an ISO 14001 waste management company, handles all our waste ink and ink containers.
Aspects of our ISO14001 procedures also apply to our use of energy and water including:
- Containment of VOC
- Discharge of water and sewerage
- Identifying all waste materials from storage and production
- Land contamination
Waste Management
Sadly it is a fact of life that every business creates waste. It is very important that the utmost care is taken dispose of it promptly and proficiently. In recent years we have made big strides to improve our waste management here at Newnorth…
- We have reduced chemical waste by installing a platesetter with a better chemical life and re-use plan
- We have significantly reduced alcohol use on pre-press
- We dispose of and recycle our waste through a single source
- We manage waste paper by grading to optimise the amount that may be recycled using various methods
Who are the PEFC?
The PEFC is a world leading forest certification system. It is a non-profit organisation that ensures that forests are managed according to environmental, social and economic criteria.Internationally recognised and supported it has already made significant strides in improving the state of world forestry.
What does ISO 12647 mean?
The ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) is an independent, non-governmental membership organisation that happens to be the worlds largest developer of voluntary International standards. ISO 12647 refers to a specific environmental ISO standard to which we at Newnorth practice, ensuring we meet strict process control aimpoints and tolerances for various printing methods and processes.
What is the FSC®?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is an international not for-profit organisation, that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests. By setting standards for companies to adhere to and that consumers can rely upon, it has made great strides to improving the global effects of deforestation. In a world that has already lost almost half of its rainforests this is incredibly important work and something that Newnorth is very proud to be associated with.
Who are the CIWM?
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), are a professional body representing over 7,000 waste professionals working in the sustainable resources and wastes management sectors. They set the professional standards for individuals working in the industry.
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