"We're proudly Orange and Green!" says Aubrey Nathan: MD of Fishwicks Printers.
When asked what's new at Fishwicks in relation to their green policy, Aubrey had this to say:
"We have always been leaders in investing in the most up to date Print equipment and developing 1st world Software solutions, thereby enabling us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors.
Now, we are further differentiating ourselves by leading the way in environmental considerations. An international audit is well underway, whereby we are affiliating and aligning ourselves with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Once complete, we will have systems and procedures in place to further minimise the impact on the environment."
So what is the FSC ?
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international independent, non-governmental, and non-profit organization, established since 1993. Its goal is to promote responsible management of forests, in response to increasing concerns over deforestation. Global consensus on environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest management solutions is reached through strict processes.
All in a day's work
Fishwicks selects paper from renewable sources wherever possible. This is ideal for the environment, and although it comes at a cost to them, they feel it still makes good business sense to pursue.
"We do not own the forests we source paper from, or make the paper we print on, so the only way we can ensure that the paper we purchase comes from a renewable source is to align ourselves with FSC accreditation" Says Aubrey. Fishwicks aims to take this a step further and enevtually become ISO certified, and FSC accreditation is the first step in this process. Chain-of-custody controls are implemented at all internal critical control points in processes at Fishwicks - points where there is significant risk of certified materials becoming mixed with uncertified, or uncontrolled, materials under normal and/or abnormal operating conditions.
When asked what this means for Fishwicks customers, Aubrey stated:
"Accreditation from this global forum shows that we are responsible, committed, and respectful of the environment. This enables our customers to make purchasing decisions that make a difference, by minimising the impact on the environment.
Our environmental policy is aligned with the National Environmental Management Act, the framework of which is for sound environmental management practices. Under the careful guidance of the relevant experts, a number of initiatives are in place to ensure that we comply with legislation."
- Hazardous chemicals are placed in sludge bins and removed by an accredited waste removal service provider. A "proof of safe disposal" certificate is provided upon each removal.
- PH levels on sump tanks are regularly tested.
- Off-cuts from substrates such as paper, board, vinyl, plastic, and aluminium printing plates, are housed separately, and are sent to the relevant recycling facilities.
- Constant improvements are made and efficiencies applied, building towards 'leaner' business.
Occupational Health and Safety
Furthermore, we work in strict accordance with the Government's Occupational Health & Safety act, ensuring protection for anyone directly, or indirectly, affected by the workings of our machinery and utilisation or disposal of any hazardous materials.
So come and get a touch of Orange and Green!
