Environmental policy

We recognise that our day-to-day operations have an effect on the local and wider environment. We are committed to the continuous monitoring and improvement of our environmental performance, reducing waste levels and our impact on the environment. We view the environmental laws and regulations with which we are legally obliged to uphold as the minimum requirement of our performance.

Our policy aims to:
Ensure that our initiatives are understood and upheld throughout all levels of the company, and supported through education and training. Staff are also encouraged to point out areas in which this may be improved further.

Promote a higher level of re-use and recycling in all operation areas.

Encourage the conservation of resources through efficient sourcing, use of materials and careful planning.

Ensure that all waste is disposed of through safe and responsible methods.

Work with all stakeholders in the supply chain to ensure that they practice the same levels of efficiency as us, and that they reduce the environmental impact of their products.

Develop and coordinate route planning and delivery schedules with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.


N2 initiatives and future:
In 2007 we converted to a chemical free plate making system and adopted direct Computer to Plate technology to reduce our environmental impact. This takes out all chemical and water use normally involved in plate making and substantially reduces energy usage too.

We use Novastar Bio Inks as standard, which are not based on heavy metals and are not toxic or a hazard to health.

We recycle all waste paper, printing plates, plastic containers and tins. We also segregate white and coloured paper appropriately to maximise recycling opportunities.

We have automatic screen saving / power down time installed on all equipment. We operate a "switch off" policy for all machines, PCs, Macs and other electrical devices when not in use and overnight as a minimum.

The design and sales teams carry portfolios of recycled paper stocks to encourage clients to specify recycled paper for their design and print projects. We ensure that all paper purchased by N2 is from sustainable sources.

We meticulously route plan to save on vehicle emissions and smaller deliveries are taken in smaller vehicles to reduce carbon footprint. We have a dispatch timetable that is accessible to all staff to ensure that everyone can see when deliveries are due to take place and to which locations. This enable deliveries to be "piggy-backed" to allow for multiple drop offs on one trip. This system has also allowed us to make some delivery cost savings which in turn are passed back to our clients in the form of more competitive pricing.

We are currently working in line with and towards ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. The full certifications should be gained in Spring 2010.