By joining Two Sides, the Plymouth-based family run direct mail marketing company will have access to a large library of co-brandable communications tools, consumer research, sustainability advice, and events.

As a member of the group, Pepper is also part of the Love Paper campaign, which aims to improve perceptions and raise awareness of the sustainability and attractiveness of print, paper, and paper-based packaging, including paper’s ability to improve mental wellbeing, learning, and enhance creativity.

“Our vision is to provide intelligent and creative marketing solutions in an environmentally responsible way. Our partnership with Two Sides ensures we can deliver the great sustainable story that print and paper has to tell, in the context of our business practices,” said Pepper operations director Jake Whitford.

Two Sides UK managing director Jonathan Tame added: “Welcoming new members on board is always a pleasure and we look forward to working with Pepper Communications. De-busting the most common myths relating to print and paper with marketers is extremely important to us. Our partnership will help us share the environmental merits of print and paper.”

Pepper has also stated its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitment to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits, through its Planet Positive Initiative.

The company said the initiative is about going beyond offsetting, neutralising, or balancing just CO2 emissions, by creating a sustainable business that gives back more than it consumes.

“You can’t have a sustainable business without a focus on planet, people and profit. We are aiming to create a company that has a net positive impact on the environment, society and the economy,” said Whitford.

Pepper has partnered with the World Land Trust, and will use its methodology to measure and reduce, before offsetting, its residual emissions by investing in the protection and restoration of tropical habitats.

The company has also identified key environmental principles around the circular economy, renewable clean energy, and lean direct mail practices.

“We’ve always placed a focus on our environmental initiatives, so whilst it has taken a huge effort, going net positive has been a natural progression,” said Pepper marketing director Saul Whitford.

“When the pandemic hit, we took the opportunity to reassess our practices and build-back-better to further embrace the green revolution. It means we can help our clients reduce their impacts on the planet, which is hugely important to us.”

Pepper has also reduced its carbon footprint significantly with ongoing initiatives including a 100kw solar array, smart LED lighting, and an all-electric car fleet. It also uses zero waste to landfill processes, with more than 95% of its waste segregated and recycled.

In 2019 Pepper invested £1.6m in litho and digital, including Heidelberg and Xerox machinery, to enhance its press efficiency and automation, while in early 2020 it installed a Baumann PSW3 pile turner.