Perth based Picton Press has transitioned itself over the past few years to become one of the state’s most environmentally conscious and efficient printers – and uses every means it can to tell the world of its achievements.
General Manager Graham Jamieson believes it is essential to promote the lean and green message to clients and the general public.

“It’s good for our customers to know they are dealing with an environmentally friendly and efficient printing company, good for our staff to be playing a key role in this and good for our industry to have companies showcasing high standards,” he said.

Picton_PressPicton Press promotes its achievements as a routine part of its sales strategy using its website, newsletters, packaging, brochures – even the delivery truck has received a new promotional role showcasing the businesses lean and green achievements and philosophy.

These include Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation and Green Stamp - an environmental management system developed by the Western Australian Department of Environment in collaboration with the Waste Authority.

Mr Jamieson said undertaking Green Stamp process helped the company complete its Printing Industries Sustainable Green Print Level 2 certification providing a nationally recognised and audited compliance standard.

“The certification programs allow us to measure our impact and work toward continuous improvement,” he said.

“But it is a cost to the business. We have invested heavily in water and ink saving technology. We realised that having a sustainable production facility would help ensure the longevity of our company.

“All our paper, plastic, wood and metal waste is recycled and we have stringent procedures to minimise the amount of waste we produce overall.

“Recently we have installed 200 litre ink drums as an alternative to one litre tins. This saves more than 10,000 tins annually from going to waste disposal. It also helps us to stay lean because we find that we have less ink wastage.”

Picton Press use only vegetable and soy inks, which are natural and soluble, and has installed water-recycling facilities which save over 2800 litres per day. It has also changed its plate processing by removing pre-heat, reducing power usage by more than 50 per cent.

The company has worked closely with Printing Industries to achieve its objectives and is currently undertaking the Association’s competitive manufacturing program, Lean & Green.

All staff, from the GM down are involved in the 18 month-long program to eliminate all forms of waste from the business from time and process waste to handling and material waste.

“No matter what industry you are in, over time many businesses seem to add a bit of fat and can become sluggish or complacent in their processes and service delivery,” Mr Jamieson said.

“That‘s a recipe for disaster in an industry as competitive as ours. We have seen many good operators lose focus and lose business by not staying lean. That’s why at Picton Press, we have always seen the need to stay lean as mission critical.

“We only use best-of-breed equipment and the latest technology to ensure we run our business efficiently and with minimal waste. We also ensure our team members are constantly motivated to continuously improve their individual performance.

“By staying lean, we can offer clients the perfect combination of exceptional service and quality product at an affordable price.”

Mr Jamieson said he would like to see greater recognition of the environmental credentials of companies by government agencies and advertising agencies, comments that would resonate with many printers who are going above and beyond compliance and working toward best practice.

Information on Sustainable Green Print and LEAN & Green (competitive manufacturing) is available by contacting any Printing Industries office or by calling 1800 227 425.

PIAA
www.printnet.com.au
Pin It