| In these times of increasing
environmental awareness, it is our policy to be alert to any
legislation relating to environmental issues and where necessary
implement systems and controls in line with the appropriate
standards and laws. We will at all times promote and encourage
positive environmental practices and it is the duty of all employees
to support this policy. Where required, as part of a contract,
environmental issues pertaining to a contract will be communicated
to the members of staff using the appropriate documentation.
Ancient House Press endeavour to identify areas within the
business that have an adverse affect on the environment, these
include energy and water consumption, chemical use, waste
production, emissions to air and water and packaging. Actions
are taken not only to ensure compliance with legislation but
also, wherever possible, to proactively investigate, test
and adopt ways of reducing any adverse affect on the environment.
As examples of this:
1. In 1997 £150,000 was invested in
an afterburner to remove harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
2. In 1998 we spent £36,000 in order
to pump ink direct to our presses from re-usable silos, reducing
the waste buckets
considerably.
3. In 1999 we installed an automatic ink
system on the sheet-fed presses via sealed cartridges.
4. We are working with our present ink suppliers
on the safe removal of all waste stream.
5. We re-use much of the packaging delivered,
to use within the manufacturing process.
6. We have installed waste extraction systems
to process paper and other waste for re-cycling.
7. All our liquid waste is removed by certified
hazardous waste contractors who operate solvent recovery equipment.
8. We have a proactive VOC reduction programme.
(i) Fount solutions
– reduction in alcohol levels from 10% to sub 5%.
(ii) No open container policy
(iii) All cleaning procedures involving solvent-based
products are regularly reviewed to see whether stages can
be eliminated
(iv) Partnership arrangement with our main supplier
to systematically trial solvent-reduced/eliminated products
in place of conventional materials.
9. Our new computer-to-plate technology
has eliminated the
production of films and has significantly reduced the amounts
of chemicals required to produce a printing plate. Modifications
to the standard system have also enabled a further 20% reduction
in processor chemicals due to a reduction in the width of
the processor.
10. Installation of low energy lighting
throughout our two factory units.
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