The Norfolk- and Suffolk-based commercial print company outperformed global entrants from all sectors to secure the accolade.

The award is the highest international environmental award available for business and one of IEMA’s Sustainability Impact Awards. It was judged by a panel of sustainability experts and recognises businesses that champion and advance sustainability in the world.

The award’s judges commented: “This company demonstrated a clear organisational focus on sustainability that was at the core of its business strategy. It recognises the challenge of continuing to achieve year-on-year improvements.

“It has continued to innovate, including through an industry-first use of printed paper rather than plastic tape in packaging and engaging on sustainability issues at both regional and sectoral levels.”

Anglia Print’s recognition is not unprecedented. In 2016, the company received a Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development.

However, since then, IEMA judges added: “The company has taken transformational action with energy use and its main printing press, drastically reducing energy requirements, set up resources, process waste, and water use.”

Anglia Print director John Popely said: “We are delighted to be the winners in the Sustainable Organisation 2019 category and I feel this is recognition from the highest level of the efforts that all the team at Anglia Print have made for the last 17 years towards printing with the environment in mind.”

IEMA has 15,000 members globally, who receive updates on current environmental legislation and attend regional and national events on environmental topics.