How can you produce printed marketing materials without damaging the environment?
Along with many of our customers, at SBS we are concerned about the effect that printed marketing materials can have on the environment. That’s why we’re proud members of the Woodland Trust Carbon Capture Scheme. We pay a little bit more for our paper in order to have the peace of mind to know that we are contributing to a reputable national scheme to curb emissions. Read on to find out more.
What do paper and trees have to do with carbon emissions?
Carbon emissions are generated by the production, storage and distribution of paper. The Carbon Capture Scheme aims to mitigate these emissions by planting trees that absorb carbon and prevent it being released into the environment. After the oceans, woodland is the most effective way to “sink” carbon, but in the U.K. we currently only have 13% woodland coverage in contrast to 37% in the rest of Europe.
How does the Carbon Capture Scheme work?
We pay an extra £8.50 for every tonne of paper we buy, 100% of which goes straight to The Woodland Trust. This means for every pack of paper, 5p is donated, 2p of which goes to Woodland Carbon, and 3p to other Woodland Trust work such as the protection and restoration of woodland.
What are the effects of the Carbon Capture Scheme?
Since the launch in 2014, the scheme has raised over £900,000. This has paid for 227,760 trees to be planted. As a result, 56,938 tonnes of carbon have been absorbed. This is equivalent to 11.3 billion sheets of a paper or the weight of 11,000 elephants!
How does the Carbon Capture Scheme benefit businesses?
The most important benefit is the peace of mind to know you are helping the environment by funding the planting of trees that absorb carbon. Even though we live in a digital age, printed marketing materials such as business cards, brochures and signage are still often the most effective way to communicate with customers. But quite rightly, businesses are also under public pressure to show they are taking emissions management seriously. The Carbon Capture scheme is a high-impact low-cost way, businesses can demonstrate they are serious about their sustainability targets.
You can find out more about the Carbon Capture Scheme here or ask us about it next time you’re in store.