One area of strong alignment between Antalis and KPP is around sustainability. It is one of the core aspects of the Japanese paper company. In Japan, it retrieves 1.4 million tonnes of paper a year for recycling through a combination of collections in shops and collections in factory.
The in shop model rewards consumers for paper that is returned to the retailer that provided it, presenting each consumer with points towards a purchase as a result. The offer to businesses is more about branding and positioning that business as one that demonstrates its concern for the environment with positive actions.
There is no longer a model like this in Europe, though the Urban Jungle concept, collecting papers for recycling and supplying recycled office paper of a few years ago came close. But the Antalis commitment to the environment is equally resolute.
The UK paper merchant has achieved a 36% reduction in carbon emissions since 2015, its chosen baseline year. Energy use is certified to ISO 50001, and all electricity is purchased from fully renewable sources. With the consolidation of warehouse space, further reductions in carbon footprint will result.
The merchant has been able to offset any carbon generated in paper manufacture. In the first six months of this year, this resulted in offsetting for 4,500 tonnes of paper or display products.
All products within the creative papers portfolio have this automatically through the World Land Trust carbon balancing project, something that the merchant rather than manufacturer has done.
With other papers, Antalis is using the green star system to identify the environmental performance of each of the products it sells.
Munro describes the impact: “This system has been adopted by many customers around the world as it provides a quick reference to help them choose eco responsible products based upon product and manufacturer certifications and raw materials from sustainable sources.
“It helps their buyers differentiate products on their websites and product catalogues. The Green Star badge is shown on the product packaging of many Antalis and OEM paper brands.”
Packaging is being geared towards products based on renewable fibre and away from single use plastics. Antalis, though not there yet, is marching in step with its owner.
Antalis is very much open for business having worked in recent years to balance its business across different sectors in commercial print, packaging materials and display graphics.
