Original Copy Centre is committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment. We conform to all current environmental legislation and we endeavour to find new ways to reduce our energy usage and waste.

Carbon Emissions and Path to Net Zero

We are in the process of measuring our carbon footprint, which involves analysing all parts of our business, from the way our staff get to work, to the energy mix of our electricity supplier. 

We already consider all aspects of our environmental impact and are constantly changing our processes to become more efficient. 

Waste and recycling

  • All our wood based papers are FSC® or PEFC™ certified, which means that they are sourced from sustainable forests, and most have an element of recycled wood or fibre.
  • A recent innovation is printing on plastic paper, which is far more recyclable than laminated paper (which can’t be recycled at all). We offer it to everyone as a cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to laminating.
  • We’ve recently reconfigured our paper supplies with a much bigger emphasis on uncoated stocks, which are easier to recycle compared to coated gloss and silk stocks.
  • Any good quality blank paper collected from the end of print runs is cut, recycled in-house, and resold as scrap pads.
  • 90% of our waste is paper and cardboard, and is collected every week for recycling.
  • Other waste such as plastics (various types) and aluminium cans are separated and recycled.
  • Wooden pallets, carboard tubes, and scrap metal are given free of charge for local recycling
  • Digital proofing is used where possible, to keep the number of printed proofs down to a minimum.

Pollution

  • We are continuously improving our packaging in order to make it as recyclable as possible. The bags, boxes and envelopes we use are part-recycled and recyclable, and we use recycled and recyclable paper filler where possible. In 2022 we started using paper tape instead of plastic, so that all our outer packaging can be easily recycled. Most of our inner packaging is recycled paper based, though we do use bubble wrap and shrink wrap for delicate products. We are looking at ways to reduce this while still protecting our orders during transport.
  • We have a programme of replacing older machinery and equipment with modern, environmentally friendly processes where possible, to minimise the impact on the environment.
  • All suppliers we use are required to have excellent ethical and environmental policies. For example, our couriers all have net zero programmes, and some are fully carbon neutral already.  

Energy 

  • Our energy supplier uses zero fossil fuels and 76% is from renewables.
  • Our energy is constantly monitored through smart apps to reduce usage
  • All our machines have their power saving functions enabled to prevent excess energy being used.
  • We have implemented a policy of alternating between our big machines each day, rather than having them all on at the same time. 
  • We’ve replaced our lighting with low energy LED panels
  • We’ve switched to an air conditioning system to reduce our gas usage in the winter. 

Information Security and Data Protection

Health and Safety and Risk Assessments

  • Original Copy Centre provides a safe environment for our staff and customers, and complies with appropriate accident recording and risk assessment procedures.
  • In 2020 we carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with our staff. We had cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance. We took all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance at the workplace, and put in controls to manage transmission risk. We still have perspex screens at the front of our shop
  • A full health, safety and environmental audit is carried out each year.