We understand the concerns for the environment and duly accept that such matters need addressing and monitoring. Suitable finances and resources have been allocated to address these issues. We are committed to continually improve our environmental performance by reducing and minimising waste where possible.

To assist us in achieving our aims there are several areas which are monitored and upgraded where, and if necessary. These areas include:

• The prevention of power being wasted.
• Ensuring usage of less harmful and more environmentally friendly chemicals where possible.
• The collection of waste for treatment or re-cycling, including chemical and paper waste.
• Check on methods of production to ensure minimal waste.
• To reduce noise levels where practicable both inside and emitted from the premises.
• The assessment of the environmental implications of the activities carried out by the company
.

We will take all practical steps to anticipate and avoid pollution events and as a minimum, we will identify and comply with any legal requirements that are applicable to our activities.

The company produces a wide range of printed matter from single colour business cards to multiple page glossy full colour brochures.

Our investment in digital continues.

There are many advantages with digital press technology over lithographic production, such as no requirement for usage of rags, press ink wastage, time and paper waste on setting up and the zero use of solvents, alcohol and water in the printing process. This has had the knock-on effect of reducing our use of, and exposure to, such items significantly over the past years.

Similar investment has taken place in the pre-press stages and the company now operates using a computer-to-plate system for lithographic plate making (CTP) which eliminates the use of lithographic films, some of the processing chemicals and associated sundries, many of which contain Potassium Hydroxide.

The conventional lithographic printing process still uses many chemicals and solvent products. Many of the traditional printing chemicals are becoming no longer acceptable to printers, and this, along with concerns for the environment and health issues, has helped manufacturers and suppliers to develop and handle more environmentally friendly, less harmful chemicals and solvents.

Many of the products now used by Willsons Group Services are water-based, solvent free (or reduced solvent content) and have higher flash points that help reduce flammability and evaporation into the atmosphere. Inevitably though, certain processes have to have particular chemicals that are not always simple to substitute or eliminate. Reviews of all chemicals in use in the factory are carried out to see if they can be substituted or eliminated.

All machinery is maintained and serviced regularly to ensure they are operating efficiently.

All the binding glues used in the finishing department are water based.

Aerosol based products are CFC-free where possible.

All the chemicals used are stored in a fire-resistant store containing several leak resistant storage containers. There are no open drains in, or close to the store.

All waste produced is disposed of by specialist licensed waste contractors. Chemical waste and waste inks are stored in 205lt drums prior to collection. Waste ink tins are placed in an IBC and removed for specialist disposal. Contaminated wipes are stored and disposed of accordingly.

All paper waste is collected and taken for re-cycling where possible.

Lithographic aluminium printing plates are sent for silver content removal and recycling.

This environmental statement shall be reviewed as Willsons Group Services move forward.