Carbon footprint reduction key to modern print services at Bridson & Horrox

The United Nations' December summit in Copenhagen will be focused on getting more than a hundred of the world's leading industrialised nations to agree on targets for reducing carbon emissions.  It's bound to be contentious with countries like China and the USA having failed to sign on for similar initiatives in the past, such as the Kyoto Treaty.

Now even more pressure is being brought to bear on the proceedings as 500 leading international companies join HRH Prince of Wales to back calls for a concerted global effort on climate change.  Shell, BP, the energy suppliers EON and EDF, Coca Cola, eBay, Starbucks and Virgin are among the household names that have signed a communique calling on world leaders to commit to cutting emissions worldwide by at least 50 per cent by 2050.

It seems that environmental issues are top of the agenda in C-suites around the world and suppliers to these companies had better get all their green ducks in row if they are going to compete.  It's an issue that's been a priority for the Isle of Man's leading printing and office supplies company, Bridson & Horrox for quite some time.

"Reducing their carbon footprint is an issue that has been growing in importance among our customers for the past several years, and it's a trend that seems set to continue," explains Bridson & Horrox Managing Director Darren Horrox.  "Companies are looking at all aspects of their operations and they are finding significant gains when they consider their green printing practices."

This was one of the main drivers behind Bridson & Horrox's recent switch to a new 'green' print estimate software that provides costs in both pounds and carbon units. The Predictive Dynamic Quoting (PDQ) software is the only system in the UK with a built-in carbon footprint analyser and is exclusive to Bridson & Horrox in the Isle of Man.

Every print production method and each component of these including platemaking, printing, folding, etc., are all individually analysed to show the carbon footprint of each component, resulting in a total CO2 emissions of each job.

Darren Horrox explains, "With the eyes of the world scrutinising climate change ever-closer, this software has become a vital tool in our own effort to combat global warming. Now our clients can see the options and choose to save the planet and save on their budgets as the same time."

The company has also recently achieved ISO standards in quality management and environmental management in the fields of the manufacture and distribution of printed and digital products and the distribution of office supplies.

Bridson & Horrox gained ISO accreditation from the World Certification Services-UK with stages one and two 14001:2004 of the environmental management system, and have been reassessed to the IS0 9001:2008 standard for quality management for the management and distribution of printed and digital products and the distribution of office supplies.

"Our quality and environmental systems ensure that we continue to deliver quality products, delivery and customer service, while operating sound and responsible environmental practices," says Darren Horrox. "I'm incredibly proud that our team is leading the industry on these important issues."

The company had embarked on a review process to address environmental issues relating to its use of fuel and disposal of waste materials some months ago.  It has since implemented various recycling and energy saving procedures in both the factory and its delivery process.

Unlike others rather bold statements, Bridson & Horrox can and does deliver environmental as well as financial savings on printing and office supplies.  The company has recently introduced a 'health check' service for those companies that wish to make a beneficial impact on their businesses.

For more than 75 years, Bridson & Horrox has provided the highest quality print and customer service. The company's philosophy of continuous improvement and investing in its people has underpinned its leadership position and customer loyalty.   Environmental issues continue to top the agenda here and further afield and Bridson & Horrox, alone, can and do deliver environmental as well as financial savings on printing and office supplies to Isle of Man organisations.