Printers Against Plastic

Who are Printer’s Against Plastic? In numbers:

ABC Imaging UK have founded this initiative with the objective of reducing the use of “single use plastics” across our industry. The vision is for suppliers and competitors to unite with  a “together we are stronger” mentality to tackle a cause greater than any organisation alone. It is undeniable that sustainability is more important than ever. The background research driving this campaign into action is simply staggering. So, what are the facts?

• 100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic bags annually
• One in three leatherback sea turtles have been found with plastic in their stomachs
• It takes 500 (or more) years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill
• A plastic cup can take 50-80 years to decompose
• Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1 million sea creatures every year

Evidently, it is more necessary to make sustainability changes where possible, reducing the dependency of single use plastic in printing and eliminate landfill waste by raising awareness. The target is to reduce the usage of single use plastic by 50%.

Where it began:

In conjunction with ABC Imaging’s ISO accreditation and auditing processes, they came to realise the amount of single use plastic they used on a daily basis, not only within the print room, but also within the back office areas. They set about creating pledges to reduce usage and raise awareness of the environmental damage caused and formed Printers against Plastic as a result.

Duncan Stuart, Sales Director at ABC Imaging comments: “Our pledges are being implemented as we speak has been raised and regular brainstorming sessions generate further ideas. Obviously this has been very productive, but a bi-product of us founding printers against plastic has also brought us together as a company and created a greater team ethic and togetherness with a shared common goal and objective.”

An initiative from ABC Imaging UK

The campaign includes a number of initiatives for the printing industry. One major implementation is removing single use cup usage, therefore, providing staff with metal or reusable water bottles, thermos coffee cups or providing mugs in the workplace instead of one use cups. Coffee shops could also provide discounts for reusable cups.

Amongst this is also removing use of plastic bags, including introducing a biodegradable option on retail counters, supplying staff with reusable bags for lunch shopping, and also introducing “bags for life.” Not only does this expand to bags but multiple packaging options, such as introducing paper or biodegradable bubble wrap, environmental packaging tape and reusable mail bags/packing for deliveries to regular clients.  As for in-office use the campaign stands to avoid using plastic comb binding, using pencils and metal pens, eliminating plastic business card boxes, encouraging clients not to use acetate as covers and eliminate the use of plastic wallets.

Evidently, ABC Imaging have dedicated their time to understanding and researching the multiple ways a business can change their image to become more sustainable. Why not make a change and join in with the campaign?

Find out more and join the campaign by visiting www.printersagainstplastic.com or contacting dstuart@abcimaginguk.com