Anthony Rowell has been named chair of the BPIF’s revived environmental forum. And the development director of Tradeprint says he is delighted.
“I’m super excited to be the chairman of the BPIF environmental forum” he says. “I was involved the first time around, recruited then by Dale Wallis when the push was led by David Shorto, Clare Taylor and Richard Osborne at Pureprint. The last two are still involved.
“There’s definitely some momentum to this, inspired by people thinking differently as we come out of lockdown, environmental issues and sustainability are to the fore.”
The idea to reinvigorate the BPIF’s forum on sustainability gained pace last year leading to the decision to create a steering group covering consultants like Taylor and Matthew Peacock, suppliers and printers across the sector. The aim is to highlight and promote best practice, identify areas for specific improvements and to position print as best in class for environment and sustainability.
Those participating will be able to show that their organisation is involved in managing environmental and sustainability issues, is involved in educating the supply chain while also identifying industry specific environmental issues.
Rowell has previously worked at Polar Print and Pureprint where the legacy of environmental leader Beacon Press continues. At Tradeprint he is part of Cimpress, the mass customisation giant that is aiming to be carbon neutral across its entire business of 60 locations worldwide by 2040.
While not trained in environmental science, Rowell has a library of books on the subject and is passionate about the issues. “I believe people and businesses will reprioritise their approach to these topics,” he says. “It is crucial that we embrace and drive positive change through active collaboration in our industry.”
Participation will not be limited to BPIF members. Contact has already been made with the IPIA, Rowell says. One of the priorities will be to build a road map for a simplified pathway to improved environmental performance without becoming over complicated. “It has to be administration light,” he explains. “And we want members from a broad section of the industry.”
The advantages are also financial. At Tradeprint there is a project underway to eliminate the need for IPA. “If we can do this, we can save £20,000-30,000 a year, even allowing for a new set of rollers. Printers need a nudge to see the benefits of changing, so we have to shout about the savings that can be made and the opportunities that they can generate for their customers.
“Some of the issues can be rather complicated – how green are so called vegetable oil inks for example – but if we can understand it, we can help deliver a really clear message to the industry and on behalf of the industry.”
