The BPIF has launched its Climate Change Levy (CCL) scheme, which aims to reduce the Governments energy levies on the printing industry by 80%.


Only 100 companies will be able to participate for the first intake of the scheme, which was finalised by the DETR last month. This followed a series of talks with industry leaders who felt that the print industry was being sidelined for tax reductions compared to the more intensive energy using industries such as chemicals and paper making.



The firms will be selected on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for all applications is the end of October.
BPIF director of corporate affairs Mike Hopkins said the scheme would provide "on-going support in the form of energy-saving ideas, a newsletter, individual feedback and regular monitoring so that at the end of each review period companies can actually be seen to be making progress."



The BPIF will also act as a collective negotiator so that it "gets an overall figure of energy usage to then agree collectively a reduction in the energy levels," said Hopkins.


"The difficult things are yet to come we need to get data on printers power consumption. This is not just about saving tax, its about saving energy. The marketing and cost advantages are a double benefit."
Hopkins anticipated that 500 companies would ultimately join the scheme. "Realistically its of interest to firms with sales of 10m and above, particularly web and flexo packaging printers."
He was unfazed by the CBIs urge to delay the energy levies for a year. "I think its a nice try but its too late. The government announced the idea 18 months ago. We are quite happy pressing ahead with the scheme. Elsewhere in Europe they are not taxing energy so this scheme is essential for ensuring a level playing field against continental competitors."

By Eloise Seddon