Few products can claim to be truly sustainable… but paper can. Paper is made from cellulose fibre, usually derived from wood or other plant pulp – it’s both natural and renewable. So when it comes to communications, paper is a pretty good choice.

As trees grow, they absorb and store carbon dioxide. This stored CO₂ is transferred from tree to paper and continues to be stored throughout the paper product’s life.

Inevitably, during paper manufacture, some CO₂ is released into the atmosphere. So since 2014, Holywell has offered clients the option to print on Carbon Capture^® paper to offset this.

 

printing on carbon capture paper

The Carbon Capture programme is operated by paper merchants Premier Paper through the Woodland Trust as part of the UK Government’s Woodland Carbon Scheme. The programme funds tree planting in certified Woodland Carbon sites across the UK to mitigate CO₂ emissions.

For every tonne of paper we buy, £10.20 is donated directly to the Woodland Trust to enable the creation and conservation of new native woodland. The carbon dioxide absorbed by these trees has been calculated by DEFRA to offset the CO₂ released through the manufacture, transportation, and storage of the paper we use.

However, the Woodland Trust’s work has more benefits than just carbon capture. It cares for more than 1,000 free-to-access public woods growing more than 50 million trees. These invaluable woodland spaces are important habitats for native British wildlife, like fallow deer and wood mice, and offer opportunities for people to exercise and reconnect with nature.

Holywell Press is one of over 530 businesses that have signed up to the Carbon Capture scheme, generating well over £1,000,000 for the Woodland Trust so far.

running on renewable energy

In 2012, we installed solar photovoltaic panels onto our factory roof. The electricity generated is used to power our factory and any excess is then fed into the national grid. On average our panels generate 42,000kWh annually

reusing packaging

Holywell constantly reviews ways to reduce waste and reusing packaging is one initiative that is helping to cut down on waste and reduce pressure on resources. We reuse paper wrappers to package books and other printed products for delivery. The wrappers are high quality, which protects the contents and makes a strong parcel sealed with our paper self-adhesive tape.

zero-emission deliveries

We often use bicycles to deliver small orders to customers in and around Oxford. This is by far the easiest and ‘greenest’ way to navigate the city. But there’s a limit to what is safe and practical to transport by bike. When we have a large load, such as boxes of books or brochures, we use an all-electric van.

To learn more about the environmental impact of paper manufacture and use, visit the challenging myths page on the Two Sides website. Find out more about choosing the best paper for your next print project with our guide to choosing the right paper or get in touch to discuss sustainable printing options by calling 01865 242098 or using the button below.