This support has funded the planting of 519,132 trees across the UK, which Premier said has the potential to capture an estimated 119,869 tonnes of CO2 over the trees’ lifetime.
Through this partnership, Premier said it champions its customers to make meaningful contributions to carbon reduction, certifying them as Carbon Capture companies while supporting the creation, restoration, and protection of native UK woodlands.
The paper and materials supplier said that by calculating their CO2 emissions from product purchases through the Carbon Capture scheme, its customers can reduce their environmental impact by supporting tree planting projects under the UK Woodland Carbon Code, a government-accredited programme that ensures measurable and long-term carbon mitigation.
The Carbon Capture programme began in 2011 as a way to help businesses mitigate the CO2 emissions from their paper purchases.
All funds are directed solely to the Woodland Trust to fuel reforestation efforts across the UK.
David Jones, group marketing director at Premier, said: “We’re incredibly proud of reaching this £2m milestone. Through our partnership with the Woodland Trust, we’re supporting businesses to expand their environmental efforts in ways that are meaningful, accountable, and beneficial to the broader environment.”
The £1m mark was reached in 2019 and Premier said its quick climb to over £2m today highlighted the growing commitment that businesses place on responsible environmental action.
“What started as a simple idea in 2011 – to give companies the means to mitigate the CO2 from their paper purchases – has truly evolved,” said Jones.
“Knowing that it has helped both businesses and our woodlands is incredibly rewarding. We’re grateful to work alongside our customers who share our dedication to sustainability, and we look forward to the impact we will continue to make together.”
Sam Tarrant, head of partnerships at the Woodland Trust, also commented: “We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Premier and its customers for their enormous generosity in donating £2m to our tree-planting efforts.
“This milestone, achieved through their Carbon Capture programme, will make a lasting impact to our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature.
“We are truly grateful for Premier Paper’s dedication and support in working with us to create greener, healthier woodlands for future generations.”
Certified Carbon Capture companies also gain the use of the Woodland Trust’s Woodland Carbon logo and certificates, while also having opportunities to take part in tree planting events with the Trust.
