Eco-friendly Culverlands secures international seal of approval

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One of the South's leading independent print companies, Culverlands Press in Winchester, has gained an international environmental certification.

Winchester, UK, 8 June 2009 (PressReleasePoint) - Staff at an expanding Hampshire print firm are celebrating a boost to their green credentials with an internationally-recognised environmental certification.

Culverlands Press in Winchester has announced its full compliance with the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the body that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests.

It means Culverlands can guarantee customers requiring FSC paper that the material used contains pulp sourced from forests managed by the strictest environmental, social and economic principles.

Culverlands Managing Director Stephen Edwards said: “Our customers rightly expect us to meet the highest possible environmental standards and being FSC-certified is part of that assurance. It underpins our strategy of continuous improvement.”

Independent auditors approved the company’s application after a stringent audit of processes and suppliers.

Rosie Teasdale, Deputy Director of the FSC UK Working Group, said: “There is growing demand from customers for FSC-certified printer material. It is no longer enough to make vague unsubstantiated claims about the sustainability of paper. The FSC Chain of Custody system ensures that forest products are tracked from responsibly managed forests right through the supply chain. Only printers with FSC certification are authorised to use the FSC tick-tree logo on their material. We are delighted with the increase in the number of FSC-certified printers in the UK and congratulate Culverlands on achieving FSC certification.”

The certification is the latest stage of an expansion programme which has seen Culverlands spend more than £2 million on new technologies.

Key investments include a chemical-free print plate maker, improved accommodation, new presses and other equipment - all helping to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact and waste.

The company already recycles extensively throughout the business and is aiming for the international quality standard in environmental management, ISO 14001, within the next six months.

Culverlands provides print services for customers including publishers, local authorities and design agencies. It has 30 staff and an annual turnover of more than £2 million.

Culverlands is a third-generation family printing company with its headquarters at Winnall Valley Road, Winchester. It celebrates the 60th anniversary of its founding this year.