Trio of green badges confirms Kolorcraft's ethical commitment

04 March 2009

Environment

Point-of-sale (PoS) specialist Kolorcraft has boosted its commitment to ethical sourcing after becoming ISO 14001, FSC and PEFC accredited.

The West Yorkshire-based company claimed the move to get the accreditations had also prompted clients to consider their environmental options.

Managing director Phil Findley said: "In today’s climate, many of our customers are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment.

"By changing the landfill and recycling ratio so that more is recycled than is sent to land, the short- and long-term benefits are obvious."

He said getting the accreditations was worth doing, with the overall long-term benefit to the environment, Kolorcraft, and customers, "immeasurable in monetary terms".

"If you do look at the cost benefits, these start to show an immediate return on energy costs, packaging and raw materials usage," he said.

"There are many other benefits such as the segregation and correct disposal of hazardous materials."

Findley acknowledged that accreditation does have a price tag, and maintenance of registration can appear to be outwardly costly.

However, he said: "There are many benefits, not least of all a positive market reputation. We enjoy an ever-strengthening reputation within the industry and local community, while benefiting the environment."

He said he felt the FSC process was stringent, and has made the company focus on what it does as a business and how it works in partnership with its suppliers and customers.

The staff training that is involved has also lead to raised environmental awareness.

"Again, as a business this is invaluable. Whilst FSC measures are the most demanding within the industry, they undergo continuous review and improvement."

Last year the 220-staffed company introduced a new PVC-free material which is 100% recyclable and offers customers the option to select a more environmentally friendly material in the production of their PoS items.

Ossett-based Kolorcraft was established in 1979 and specialises in PoS printing and design for the retail sector.

Customers include high street and out-of-town retail chains, specialising in electricals, DIY and fashion. The company employs 220 staff and has a turnover of £20m.