Newcastle-based BLP, which has turnover of around £11m, will provide a range of environmentally friendly marketing and packaging materials to the company.
Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it will involve litho output including mobile phone cartons and SIM-card packs of FSC-accredited substrates, using vegetable-oil based inks.
The deal is part of a strategy by Virgin to reduce its carbon footprint. BLP will also aim to minimise hazardous chemicals such as alcoholic sealers and solvents.
Direct mail work included in the deal will also be handled at a single location to minimise emissions caused by distribution.
Virgin Mobile commercial director Jonathan Kini said: “Marketing and communication are essential to the success of Virgin, but these activities must be sustainable in both economic and environmental terms. The team at BLP are providing a practical and integrated solution in our quest for sustainable printing and logistics.”
BLP sales and marketing director Derek Ord said: “Virgin Mobile’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact, rather than just promoting green credentials, vindicates our investment and commitment to ‘owning the problem’ in supporting marketing teams in the direct marketing supply chain.”
News of the deal comes just two months after BLP ordered two new presses from MAN Roland, a six-colour B1 HiPrint press to replace an existing six-colour machine and an additional B2 press.
Virgin Mobile chooses BLP in bid to go green
Virgin Mobile has turned to packaging and commercial printer BLP to ensure its printing gets greener.
