Summary
A small company with a long history, Kent Art Printers for the past 14 years has focused on improving their environmental performance.  This focus has brought significant benefits for the business, from reduced costs and access to new markets to remarkable staff loyalty.

Background
Kent Art Printers has been operating a printing business in Chatham, Kent for over 70 years.  Their business has evolved over this period from screen printing movie posters in the 1950's to their current specialisation in environmentally friendly litho and digital printing. 

Kent Art Printers was an Awards for Excellence 2004 Big Tick winner.

How they do it

• Improved environmental performance.  By the end of 1990, the press-room was running without the use of Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is a Volatile Organic Compound, which combines with other pollutants to cause ground level ozone.  In more recent times, use of sustainable vegetable inks, internet-based proofing, and digital "print on demand" have all been of benefit to the environment. Renewable wind based energy is used to power their site and they are committed to reducing waste to landfill through efficient sorting of waste, recycling or reusing where possible.

• Healthier working environment.  The staff at KAP also benefit from a longstanding commitment to improve the workplace. The press-room runs on a single shift, with low overtime dependence. KAP offers accredited training programmes and printing "alcohol-free" creates a healthier working environment for employees.

• Supporting art students.  KAP sponsors an award at the local art college, where the winning students see a project through from design to the printed job, and a local school visits KAP as part of its science curriculum. Work placements for students are provided, and there is a link with a French Lycée to provide a place for a trilingual student.

Business Benefits

• Reduced supply costs.  Every year approximately 2 tonnes of Isopropyl Alcohol are saved - equivalent to £2600 in value and resulting in cleaner air for the local community due to reduced VOC emissions.
  
• Reduced waste cost.  Waste reduction and recycling programme in 2003 resulted in 35% reduction (93 cubic metres) in skip use. This is equivalent to £560 in value.
  
• Reduced water cost.  A waste reduction and maintenance programme in 2003 resulted in a 25% saving of water used - equivalent to 250,000 litres, which at current rates costs £385.
  
• Access to 'green' markets.  Greater local authority recognition, with work awarded because of green and ethical credentials, and many new 'green and ethical' accounts won accounting for approximately 8% of total client number.
  
• Great staff loyalty - average length of service at KAP is currently 13 years.