Last week our MD James Lavin featured in the highly-sought after publication Digital Printer, looking at how threats to the environment have affected the way in which companies carry out their work each day, and why the sustainable route is so important.
In recent times – as the world at large has increased its awareness of society’s environmental issues – it has been necessary for product manufacturers and suppliers to adopt a far greater ‘eco stance’.
Here James Lavin – MD at large-format graphic display specialist Leach – looks at how the threat on the environment has affected the way in which companies carry out their work on a daily basis, and why the sustainable route is so important…
“Exactly 12 months ago, a survey was commissioned by Leach focusing on the different high street challenges faced by retailers, and a major finding was that a leading priority in this sector when sourcing suppliers – including graphic display providers – is minimising the impact on the environment.
This was perhaps an unsurprising revelation, as possessing a ‘green’ conscience is an emerging trend across businesses of all shapes and sizes, across a wide range of sectors. With the recent shocking news showing the Australia fires, constant eco protesting – from the likes of Greta Thunberg – and programmes including Blue Planet, sustainability issues are certainly in the spotlight, among members of the public too.
There has never been such a keen eye on companies to make changes and ‘do their bit’ in the fight to protect the earth. And this certainly highlights the need for those in the supply chain – from printers and manufacturers to installation and fit out teams – to be fully aware of clients’ environmental expectations at every stage of their relationship, even at the time of pitching.
As this ‘green’ agenda isn’t going to disappear, businesses must therefore react to change and move with the times to ensure longevity in a crowded marketplace.
As a provider of graphic display equipment for a range of spaces, Leach is aware of the level of moral responsibility we must possess. We’ve always been ‘eco-conscious’, with products incorporating energy-efficient LED lights, changeable graphics to promote reusability, and lightweight – even rollable – solutions, to enable ease of transport and carbon footprint reduction.
In recent times however, Leach customers have participated in a series of ‘innovation forums’, allowing clients to put forward their concerns and suggestions for future products, and helping the business to work with these organisations to shape ongoing R&D.
The latest outcome of these is 12 months and £100,000 of investment into graphic display solutions with even greater green-performance, as we urge others to follow suit and adopt a stronger eco-stance in 2020 and beyond.
Regardless of any corporate moral responsibilities, as we move into the next decade it’s likely that customers will increasingly opt for the most environmentally-friendly option available to them. Deciding to ‘go green’ is therefore also a strategic choice. Failing to make these advances – such as offering products which reduce carbon impact with no detriment on product quality, and integrating the use of sustainable materials into production methods – is very risky indeed.
We all hope to see a stop – if not reversal – of the negative environmental effects, so that there is hope for future generations. It’s vital that others across the print sector adjust their mindsets too, amidst the mounting pressures for companies to do more to protect the planet.
For more information regarding any of our eco-solutions you can view our product page or contact one of the team today.
