Printing Green with Calverts
Tucked away on an unassuming side road in East London is Calverts.
One of only two design and print cooperatives in the UK. Specialising in high quality graphic design and sustainable print, Calverts were one of the first printers to use vegetable-based inks before they were industry standard. Their green credentials have evolved over the last 40 years and they are committed to helping their clients create more eco-friendly products.
Woolbro Group mark 85 years in business in 2020, an important milestone. It has been a family business all this time and continues to be so. Reflecting on these past years, Woolbro Group has been exploring the core of what we feel we stand for; consolidating our aims and vision for the future. Calvert’s responsible approach to printed marketing, feels like a solid fit.
The decision to switch to greener printing methods comes at a cost. Calverts commit to using sustainable materials and methods, which are still more expensive than standard printing. Aluminium printing plates are recycled and re-used; 100% of their electricity is generated from hydroelectric and wind power; vegetable oil-based inks are used which have less impact on the environment during production and; they are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which guarantees that the papers used can be traced back to responsible forestry.
It’s no secret that the construction industry has a significant impact on the environment. As the effects of climate change and other environmental issues become more pronounced, it’s more important than ever to find ways to protect the environment. Greener construction practices are beginning to be used, but we are a long way off delivering a process which fully supports sustainable building.
High end marketing material needn’t be full of glue and plastic, and sustainable print should not be seen as second best. Calvert’s ethical standards should be viewed as an inspiration to businesses across all sectors, and whilst the building industry struggles to implement much needed change, one eco-friendly change ALL developers can do is print green.
