Partnering with environmental start-up Grow My Tree in late May, MRP has already funded the planting of 4,668 trees, and intends to plant another 4,000 this year.
Grow My Tree works with organisations in the Global South, involving local farmers in planting the trees in ways that protect their own interests and generate income and employment for the area.
With tree planting integrated into farming techniques – such as planting a tree barrier around each farm – the process helps to make farms more drought-resistant, reduces soil erosion, and absorbs CO2.
Kate Tew, MRP’s marketing director, told Printweek: “We chose Grow My Tree because all their trees are certified for full traceability, and the land where they are grown is owned by local farmers, not Grow My Tree.
“It also takes cultural traditions and the needs of the locals into account, and maintains high ethical standards and fair wages.
“They only plant trees native to the area with high survival rates, which protects the local flora and fauna and ensures the long-term survival of the trees.”
Climate mitigation, is, however, only a small part of good environmental policy – as Printweek has reported – and MRP has already engaged in a wider strategy to slash its carbon emissions.
The packaging and commercial printer is currently planning the installation of 290 solar panels at its Nottingham factory later in 2023.
Replacing the company's compressed air system has also delivered huge results, with the new system producing 57% fewer emissions – the equivalent of 26,900kg of CO2 annually.
The company has likewise already replaced all of its office lighting with LEDs, and is in the process of replacing its warehouse lighting: altogether, MRP will save around £10,000 on lighting each year following the investment.
Holding ISO 14001 certification for its environmental managment system for the past four years, MRP has been FSC certified for two, and its environmental credentials reach back to 2013, when the company begun its tradition of buying an acre of land every year for the World Land Trust.
MRP employs around 70 staff, and expects to turn over around £7m in 2023.
