Acorn Web Offset has integrated its Technique MIS with CarbonQuota’s carbon calculation algorithms to be able to include a carbon estimate along with a conventional estimate for customers.
The introduction of real time carbon calculation is a logical next step following a number of carbon mitigation and measurement initiatives in recent years. This has included measures to cut power usage, waste levels and investment in more energy efficient production at its Normanton factory.
Further the company has measured its Scope 1 and Scope 2 impacts and has been gathering Scope 3 data. Managing director Mark Roberts says: “We have been measuring our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for four years, which has enabled us to produce print specific product carbon calculators.”
This will enable customers to judge the impact of a switch in paper grades or additional finishing and other specifications on their own carbon reporting. The company specialises in A4 and A5 magazines, catalogues and brochures for publishers, retailers, local government and some print managers.
“The calculations are becoming increasingly important to our customers,” says Roberts. “They support their own carbon reporting and provide clear guidance on how changes to print specifications can reduce overall environmental impact.”
The company has been able to produce a carbon calculation previously, but it was an involved calculation which might take an hour to work out. Now that is an instant process.
This is thanks to work to link Technique, now part of Graphic Communications, itself part of CAI, to the CarbonQuota Carbon Connect platform. This uses validated data to produce a complete result for the carbon generated in a job.
CarbonQuota founder Dominic Harris says: “This is about transparency and accuracy. Our CarbonConnect platform, integrated directly into Technique, enables carbon calculations to happen automatically within existing workflows.
“Acorn’s team can now use carbon footprint data across estimating, production and reporting with no additional effort or training.
“A key advantage of this integration is that it removes barriers to adoption. By embedding carbon data directly into everyday processes, printers can provide consistent, reliable insights to their customers without adding complexity. This is a major step forward in making carbon information actionable at scale.”
