The Watford-based large-format and signage firm’s new 5m-wide press, bought from CMYUK, has allowed the firm to expand its capacity for eco-friendly products significantly.
“It’s not just a super productive print machine,” said Rocket’s sales director, Antony Rider.
“Its green credentials sit perfectly with our full company sustainability initiative. We are closing the loop of ‘first use’ eco materials through recycling print media and to further enhance this, we need the greenest machines available.
“We all need to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise any negative eco impacts. Having equipment that enables the use of planet friendly inks and substrates that requires less energy doing it, is part of that process.”
Recyclable substrates are a significant part of Rocket’s future strategy: as a founder member of event sustainability group ISLA, it has made plans to set up a recycling centre where customers can pay to have their signage recycled in January 2023.
“We haven’t been sending anything to landfill for about three, four years now, it’s all gone to green energy waste, but we’re trying to go one step further than that and close the [product lifecycle] loop,” Rider said.
After a “standing start” to the year, Rocket has had a record year for turnover in 2022, reaching £10.2m, after retaining pre-Covid clients and winning a significant amount of new business in the post-pandemic resurgence in events.
The new Vutek, installed to back up the company’s growth with print capacity, has joined Rocket’s existing EFI equipment, including a Vutek LX3 UV LED 3.2m hybrid press and a Vutek Fabrivu 340i in-line dye-sublimation printer.
“Fulfilment is a cornerstone of Rocket’s business and the sheer speed and superb print quality of the 5r+ will allow us to achieve this 100%,” said Rider.
“This is essential for when we have exhibitions and multiple events happening simultaneously, speed is of the essence. The leap in productivity provided by the Vutek 5r+ allows us to confidently schedule in the significantly higher volumes that 2023 will bring.”
Rocket employs 55 people at its 2,320sqm site.
