Implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS)

PrintVend is an online printing company specialising in full colour printing of flyers, leaflets and posters.

An environmentally responsible supplier, PrintVend had already implemented best practice across the organisation to reduce waste and use resources most efficiently. Furthermore, their purchasing strategy included an FSC only policy, ensuring all paper used within the business comes from sustainably managed woodland. However, this still left them with a number of specialist waste problems including inks and plastic printing cartridges. PrintVend invited Abricon to help with identifying either less environmentally damaging products, or suitable recycling outlets.

As the manufacturer or supplier of the products concerned did not offer a recycling or refill schemes, Abricon researched and introduced a 3rd party recycler that not only provided collection boxes on-site, but collected them free of charge.

As PrintVend was committed to a policy of minimising impact to the environment, Abricon further recommended that their achievements to-date be recognised by the adoption of an environmental management system (EMS). Abricon suggested the use of the BS8555 Acorn scheme.

Acorn allows PrintVend to progress along the accreditation route at a speed dictated by them, and with no commitment to becoming fully accredited. In addition, it allows recognition of the work achieved to date by way of formal audit and issue of certification.

Abricon provided support to Phase 1 of Acorn including translating their environmental policy into an Action Plan to achieve their stated, quantifiable targets.