The Staffordshire label printer installed over 250 solar panels on the roof of its Burntwood factory in early April. Due to generate over 98MW of electricity each year, the installed capacity should provide more than 15% of the company’s annual energy needs.

The solar panel installation follows hot on the heels of Mercian Label’s installation of sensor-activated low-energy LED lighting in mid-March. 

Replacing its 28 traditional high-level lights in its production and warehousing areas, the company now has lights that only operate at full strength when a member of staff is working directly below them. 

Reducing themselves to 10% power shortly after the area is left empty, the lights then switch themselves off after a further few minutes of inactivity.

Installed in just 24 hours, the new lights are on track to save Mercian Labels 43% of their lighting bill, as well as reducing its carbon footprint.

From 1 April 2023, companies in the UK have been able to write off 50% of the cost of special rate assets – such as solar panels and lighting – from their corporation tax bill.

Adrian Steele, the firm’s managing director, said: “As part of our focus on the environment, we see these investments as a real win for everyone. 

“As well as reducing our environmental impact, we are also reducing our operational costs, which is not only good for our business, but also benefits our customers and therefore their end users as well.”

Sales director Hugo Gell added that the firm’s focus on planet-friendly business had helped it weather the current economic difficulties.

Many companies in the label buying market, he explained, stocked up on inventory before Christmas while stock was still relatively cheap.

He said: “As they consume that inventory, demand is bouncing back. Customers have realised, too, that we have managed to keep our price rises to an absolute minimum – and some people have been surprised by that.”

The firm has spent “several million” over the past few years on new, energy efficient kit, such as its Screen L350 SAI E UV inkjet label press, purchased in early 2022. These investments have helped the firm keep its energy prices – and thus prices – down, Gell added.

“We measure our success on what we call the triple bottom line: prosperity, planet, and people,” he said.

Mercian Labels has operated a zero waste to landfill policy for over three years, and uses wood-based filmic materials, rather than from fossil fuels.

The company employs 60 at its Burntwood site, and is looking to reach £10m turnover in the short to medium term.