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Environmental Commitment
At KAP we have a strong commitment to the environment... we've been actively "greening" our company and processes since 1990. We operate a continual environmental assessment programme to look at ways of minimising our damage to the environment. This forms part of our ISO14001 accredited EMS. Our overriding principle:- Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle. Here are some of the details 'Alcohol Free' Press-room
For over 15 years now, our complete press hall has been running alcohol-free.
Although the use of alcohol (IPA) in printing has not yet been outlawed in the UK, it is a major pollutant. The UK Government is trying to reduce the use of alcohol. Why?
IPA (A volatile organic compound (VOC) evaporates readily into the atmosphere, causing Ground Level Ozone (smog) to be produced. This ozone contributes to breathing problems and plant/crop damage.
10% of the UK's VOC emissions are thought to come from the print industries. In the 15 years since we at KAP have been alcohol-free - we have saved over 2 tonnes of IPA emissions per year to Atmosphere.
The rest of the World is far more advanced than we are in the UK- the Swiss and even the Americans have either prohibited the use of IPA or applied a massive tax to strongly discourage its use.
At KAP we have been selected as an Environmental leader - see "IPA Reduction - Industry Examples" available from our 'Downloads' section as a PDF, and hard copies are available from www.envirowise.gov.uk. Our work also won us numerous Awards and commendations. The first was at the December 2002 Environment Kent Business Awards, where we were winners in the 'Environmental Innovation' Category. Other Awards have been Highly Commended - SEEDA Sustainable Business Awards 2003 Good Practice Commendation - EU Health & Safety at Work Commission - 2003 National Green Champion - Green Apple Awards 2004 Winner Big Tick 2004 - BITC Awards - Impact on Society Winner Big Tick 2004 - BITC Awards - Environmental Impact BITC National Awards 2004 - Shield Environmental Awards- Highly Commended /Runner Up BPIF Awards for Excellence - Finalist Winner Big Tick 2005 - BITC Awards - Impact on Society Winner Big Tick 2005 - BITC Awards - Environmental Impact How IPA readily evaporates from a press
Minimising Production Waste (Production Resource Efficiency)
New technology on press - CIP3 data to set ink ducts, Densitronic 'S' to control ink flow on the run, Semi-automatic plate changing for improved register, Automated blanket washing.... these are all examples of new technology that helps us print jobs faster, more accurately and with less waste. We also have a dedicated READER who checks artwork and plates from both internal and external sources. This saves an incredible amount of waste, as the further upstream an error is caught, the lower the cost of correction
Proper plate storage and re-usage
In today's 'throw away age', the art of plate storage and re-useage has been somewhat forgotten. Many of our jobs are reprints, and with proper cleaning, preparation and storage, our plates can be used again and again. This reduces the need for fresh plates - and therefore reduces the impact on the environment. (Aluminium, the major content of plates, is an incredibly energy intensive material to extract from bauxite. It makes sense to reduce the unnecessary use of plates to a minimum.) When plates HAVE worn out, then these are recycled in the same way as other aluminium products. Sorting & Recycling Waste where possible
Waste chemistry from film processors, waste film itself, plus waste chemistry (developer, gum, contaminated rinse water) from other parts of the pre-press operation, have been completely elimated by the use of "no process" plate production system. Waste plates are also recycled. Waste paper is sorted into grades ‘Best White’ and ‘Mixed’ these are removed by licensed waste contractors.
Other sorting processes have been developed, for example, we are keeping polythene and paper separated in different bins in our office environment. This saves further work down the chain. Now over 40 different waste streams have been identified. Web-based job submission and remote proofing
Our new "Insite" server - http://insite.kap.co.uk , allows customers to "create" job folders, upload files to these, and monitor the progress of the jobs through our system. It also allows checking of the hi-res proofs, online- using an innovative technology called "pixel-streaming". The combination of these 2 factors allow us in many cases to eliminate hard copy proofs, and couriers transporting CDs and proofs to and from our site. Computer Recycling
Wherever possible – old computer and IT equipment is re-purposed for lighter duties (mail servers, file servers etc). When they become too old they are sent to CyberArk – who provide computers to the needy (See Website). Office Equipment Recycling
Outdated office furniture is sent to Home from Home (see Website) where it is refurbished and passed on to the needy.
Laserprinter Cartridge Recycling
Where possible, all toner cartridges are sent away for recharging when they run-out. This reduces the need for brand new cartridges, and helps minimise waste to landfill.
Office Paper Recycling/Re-use
By our copiers and laserprinters, we have started to use special trays in which single sided waste office paper (erroneous printouts, mistakes etc) are placed. This paper is then used for non-critical printouts, scribbling pads etc. Company Intranet/MIS Systems
We are always looking at minimisng paper waste. We encourage employees to reduce paper and toner use by:- a) Considering whether a printout is really necessary (can it be read/distributed online?
b) To help above, we are introducing a company Intranet to help distribute common company info
c) When we DO have to print anything out, use double sided option on copiers to reduce paper use. Energy Efficiency
The lights within the factory production area have been replaced with more energy efficient lamps, so we have more lights (giving a better work environment) using 75% of the power.
Monitoring of hot water temperature in our tanks led to the discovery of faulty thermostats. These were immediately replaced - and now we are enjoying lower fuel bills as a result. Delivery Efficiencies
Our production department works closely with our client reps in order to efficiently group up (as far as production and delivery needs allow us) deliveries. This saves fuel and money! Material Specification
Wherever possible, we encourage our clients to choose environmentally friendly papers and finishes. Our ‘house’ grades are all proven to have high environmental standards – ie made from sustainable sources, with the absolute minimum of Chlorine bleaching. We are also encouraging our clients to choose Anilox coatings (which are aqueous based) in preference to environmentally damaging Lamination and UV based products that do not bio-degrade. Soya-based inks are also carried - and are available to all our customers for a small premium (they are much more expensive than mineral-oil based inks). Encouraging our Employees to be energy efficient
We are embarking on a car-sharing programme for our employees. Wherever possible we are encouraging our staff to use public transport, to car share, to walk or to cycle. This is kinder on the environment and on their pocket. Our company car policy is also encouraging staff to choose low CO2 emission vehicles – diesels and small capacity, latest generation petrol engines. Check out the Government's VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) website which lists CO2 figures.
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Sustainability 
