Environmental Policy

Why Used Recycled?

It is now generally recognised that recycling waste paper is not only a matter of saving trees. Virgin paper pulp is produced from trees farmed in managed plantations where trees are planted to replace those cut down. These papers are often labelled “environmentally friendly”. But because of the demand for paper, fast growing trees are often planted in areas where they would not grow naturally. These plantations result in severe and sometimes unsustainable environmental pressures. It is not necessary to increase such environmental pressures when the case for using recycled papers is so strong. Making paper from recycled waste consumes up to 50% less energy than using trees. Half the energy consumption means half the demand on fossil fuels and half the carbon dioxide emissions.

The UK currently dumps 90% of council waste into landfill sites. Recycling paper reduces disposal demands which, in turn, results in less pollution from ocean dumping, incineration and methane gas escaping from the decomposing waste in landfill sites. Recycled paper production reduces water use by up to 50% and involves fewer chemical processes. Increased use of recycled paper enables us to make use of waste as a domestic raw material, so reducing imports of pulp. Research suggests that 12 jobs can be created in the economy for every 1000 tonnes of waste paper recycled.

The quality of recycled paper has benefitted from great improvements in papermaking technology over the last three decades. Quality control is almost invariably computerised and subject to the strictest testing. Many recycled coated and office papers are now indistinguishable from virgin equivalents, not just in their performance, but even in their appearance. Mission Print offers a wide range of recycled papers suitable for letterheads, flyers, business cards and booklets. Our in house screenprinting allows us to print on thicker coloured and raw stocks unsuitable for conventional offset litho printing. Please email or call to request paper and board swatches.

Why Buy Organic?

Organic cotton is cotton grown without pesticides or chemical additives to fertilise, relying instead on methods with less ecological impact.Conventional cotton farming is one of agriculture’s most environmentally destructive activities. It takes an enormous toll on the earth’s air, water, and soil, and significantly affects the health of people living in cotton growing areas. A typical conventional cotton t-shirt uses about 150 grams of acutely toxic pesticides and insecticides; that’s the size of a cup of sugar.

Organic farming methods benefit farmers and their communities by:

*    preventing and reducing farmer debt

*    improving food stability for farmers as a result of crop rotation

*    preventing pollution of the water table

*    preventing potential fatal pesticide poisoning of farmers and their families

*    improving and maintaining biodiversity

To achieve organic certification, only azo-free dyes are used in the dying process and all effluent is properly treated. In addition, the traceability of organic cotton right back down the supply chain means that it is the only cotton that you can be certain is GM free. Different levels of certification exist, but at a minimum, a crop must be grown in soil that has been chemical-free for at least three years.

Mission Print stocks organic clothing from the Anvil Organic and the Earth Positive ranges. Both provide excellent quality, choice and availability at an affordable price. Please have a look through the Product Range in our Printwear section for more details.

Earth Positive have recently introduced a range of organic cotton shopper bags available in seven colours adding a new dimension to this classic promotional item. You can find more details in our Product Range.