The J&A Group's Sustainable, Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Here at the J&A Group we are committed to embracing and implementing sustainable principles throughout our business, from the way we operate to the products we produce.
88.5%
of general waste is diverted from landfill and recovered
94.6%
reduction in water pollution COD levels
12.7%
reduction in our overall energy consumption
Team Culture
Our team serves as a driving force behind our sustainability goals, encouraging a commitment towards creating a greener future together. Our sustainability manager holds environmental awareness training sessions for our employees alongside regularly updating our environmental notice board to ensure the team is up to speed with everything they can be doing to reduce their impact on the environment. We also hold regular meetings, where we collectively focus on reducing the companies impact on the environment, wherever possible.
Energy
We're conscious about the energy we use in our office and warehouse and so we've taken several measures to make a positive impact. Through harnessing the power of solar panels to generate energy and switching all the lighting across our site to energy-efficient LED lights, we've meaningfully curbed power consumption. Alongside this, we have made investments in advanced machinery that not only consumes less energy but also operates with improved efficiency and reliability. We're proud to say that the results of our efforts have been great. Since 2017, we have successfully reduced our overall energy consumption by a notable 12.7%.
Energy
PV Panels
Currently, we've got 408 solar panels up and running, generating over 108 kWp of electricity—approximately 10% of our total power needs. In 2024, we're expanding our array with a further 288 more efficient solar panels, adding 73.08 kWp to our energy production and reducing our dependence on other power sources.
EV Chargers
We have installed electric vehicle charging points at our site, offering ten spots for eco-friendly vehicle charging. This plays a crucial role in our support for green business initiatives and is an essential CSR component.
Fleet Vehicles
Over the last few years, we've successfully cut down our road mileage by an impressive 130,000 miles.
Energy Procurement
In our journey to minimising our environmental impact, we’re actively securing clean, green energy contracts with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero and decarbonising our entire supply chain. Currently, approximately 60% of our site is powered by zero-carbon nuclear fuels, with an additional 25% coming from renewable sources.
Energy Re-Use – Compressors
During winter, we capture heat from our compressors to internally warm up our factory through re-use, reducing the need for extra energy consumption in heating.
Machine Technology
Our commitment to energy efficiency is evident in our introduction of cutting-edge machinery. We select equipment with the most efficient production methods and maintain a rigorous inspection routine to keep it in peak condition. This not only boosts machinery reliability but also keeps us at the forefront of technological advancements.
The modernisation of our machinery has extended to software development, enabling us to produce more efficiently and reduce energy consumption in our processes.
LED Lighting
We've set up more than 900 energy-efficient LED light fittings, completely phasing out older incandescent fittings. On average, our LED fixtures deliver a remarkable 50% improvement in energy savings compared to non-LED alternatives.
Utility Invoice Monitoring
To ensure accountability, we closely monitor and measure all utility bills, tracking our consumption and assessing the positive changes we're making to our business practices.
Two of our incoming supplies are equipped with smart meters, allowing us to closely monitor energy usage. Our primary supply provides Half Hour data (HH), enabling us to analyse energy consumption at different times.
Temperature Control
We meticulously monitor and measure our temperature control for our process heating. We are also recovering heat in our printing process and clean room area which allows us to efficiently recover warmth and means we do not have to heat fresh cold air.
Energy Gas Heating System
Our gas heating is managed by a sophisticated system, with each area having its own thermostat and a scheduled on/off period. Additionally, sensors on our roller shutter doors automatically cut off heating if left open for more than two minutes.
Waste
We are committed to comprehensive waste management across all aspects of our operations. From efficient bin segregation to the reuse of cardboard boxes and utilisation of advanced nesting software, we continuously seek opportunities to reduce waste across all fronts to ensure that we are minimising our impact on the environment as much as possible. Throughout the year 2022, we gathered and recycled a remarkable 5.21 tonnes of waste, effectively diverting 88.5% from landfills to recovery with our waste packaging rates being consistently positioned well below the reporting requirement threshold of 50 tonnes.
Waste
Bin Segregation of Waste
We sort our waste into various waste streams to recycle as much as we can and divert this waste from landfill.
Maintaining a clean waste area is just as important to us as keeping our factory in order. Great waste management needs a clear and easy-to-follow waste system. That's why we have bins throughout our office and warehouse equipped with handy labels that make it clear on how to recycle, which ensures that all waste is properly separated into designated bins.
We also send our plain waste garments to charity, giving them a chance for reuse whenever possible.
Paper Printing
Our reduction on waste even goes as far as reducing the amount of print onto paper. We consistently discourage printing emails and we've switched our standard fonts to Garamond, a font that uses less ink but still looks clean and readable. This little change is expected to save about 24% on ink printing costs throughout the year.
Re-use of Cardboard Boxes
To ensure we reduce our waste as much as possible, we always make a conscious effort to re-use cardboard boxes if they are in good condition when sending out our products to customers.
Canteen
In our staff canteen, our first move was transitioning from polystyrene cups to cardboard cups to minimise waste. However, we didn't stop there – we went a step further by encouraging staff to bring in their own mugs. We also got rid of plastic containers for salads and meals, and instead, we encouraged people to bring their own lunchboxes or use the provided crockery plates.
These changes made a big difference in cutting down the waste in our canteen, effectively eradicating any disposable waste.
Work Nesting and Material Management
We make it a point to maximize the printing area in every printing process we undertake, ensuring that we utilise all available material efficiently. Over the years, this practice has significantly improved, thanks to the implementation of advanced nesting software. This software enables us to gang up work effectively, making optimal use of space and reducing waste across all processes.
Printing Ink Calculations
In managing our printing ink, we calculate the precise amount needed to fulfil each order. To streamline this process, we've incorporated this calculated quantity on the fronts of our worksheets, providing clear guidance to our staff on the required ink volume.
Moreover, to ensure accuracy, we replicate this information on labels that are printed out, serving as a confirmation of the dispensed weight. This dual-check system not only prevents potential issues of over or under dispensing of printing ink but also plays a crucial role in minimising waste throughout our production process.
Printing Overs
We've implemented a calculated approach to determine the required number of sheets for our screen-printed orders. This calculated quantity is clearly specified on the worksheet provided to our staff members. This streamlined process ensures that we print precisely what is needed, leading to a notable reduction of overprints by at least 12%.
Gloves Recycling Scheme
As part of our commitment to reducing waste, we actively participate in the Spontex Gloves recycling scheme. Through this initiative, we contribute to the recycling of used disposable gloves, simultaneously supporting charitable causes. To date, our efforts have resulted in the recycling of over 1.809 tonnes of gloves.
Process Improvements
We consistently assess our processes to ensure that we operate our business in the most efficient and environmentally friendly manner possible. An enhancement we implemented involved pre-treating our silk screens with a solid border. This proactive measure eliminated the need for using vinyl tape to block out the screen, subsequently leading to a significant reduction in waste. Given that we produce over 2500 screens per week, this improvement resulted in substantial savings, both in terms of materials and environmental impact, by minimising the amount of tape used in our processes.
Water
In our efforts to minimise waste generated by our water usage, we have taken steps to greatly decrease our average chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels. We have made good progress, bringing our average COD levels down from 15,000 mg/l to just 800 mg/l. This achievement was made possible by improving the efficiency of our water filter machinery whilst also refining our production processes.
We've also gone above and beyond to make sure our water is as safe as can be. This has been done by taking proactive measures to eliminate any presence of harmful heavy metals and silver from our water. This is particularly important as these substances can have toxic and carcinogenic effects if they find their way into the environment.
Emissions
We measure our carbon emissions annually in line with our site permit and we're thrilled to share that last year marked a significant milestone for us in terms of reducing carbon emissions. Last year saw the lowest ever emissions from our plant on record. This achievement is a result, conscientious choices in our printing processes and product selection.
Emissions
Carbon Footprint
We are currently in the process of measuring our carbon footprint. This will involve diligently assessing and validating our environmental impact with the assistance of an external verifier. Our approach to calculating this will be through a comprehensive evaluation of the products we use, the emissions generated throughout their production and the emissions produced during the transportation to our customers. By undertaking this analysis, we aim not just to quantify our footprint, but also to identify areas where we can minimise our environmental impact even further and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Clean Air Zone
Our carpark is designated as a clean air zone area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality to reduce pollution. We achieve this by ensuring that engines remain off during staff breaks.
Eco-Friendly Printing Products
We are constantly striving to use the most ecological and top performing chemicals and products for manufacturing our portfolio. Our commitment is backed by extensive research and development focused on water-based production methods and cutting-edge machinery.
Building Performance & Design
Our office spaces are designed with excellent thermal efficiency in mind. This design ensures heating and cooling the areas inside is very efficient and as a result significantly diminishing our carbon footprint. By curbing reliance on energy-intensive utilities, we're contributing to a greener planet whilst still providing a comfortable working environment.
Recycling
We believe in the power of small actions to drive big change, which is why we take recycling seriously as part of our commitment to sustainability. From responsibly managing batteries and recycling light bulbs to ensuring the proper disposal of solvent print wipes, plastic, and tin materials, we are focused on minimising our footprint through recycling.
Recycling
We believe in the power of small actions to drive big change, which is why we take recycling seriously as part of our commitment to sustainability. From responsibly managing batteries and recycling light bulbs to ensuring the proper disposal of solvent print wipes, plastic, and tin materials, we are focused on minimising our footprint through recycling.
Dry Materials
We manage a comprehensive recycling system for a mixture of dry materials, ranging from cardboard to paper and plastic. Each material is carefully segregated onsite to ensure efficient bulk collection.
Additionally, we're excited to announce the integration of dibond printed boarding into our recycling program. Any offcuts or waste generated during the printing process are now being recycled, contributing to our sustainability efforts.
Our commitment to recycling extends to every possible item. If there's a recycling option available, you can count on us to divert it from general waste and ensure its recycled responsibly.
Cross Contamination
Our Recycling Team ensure all collection points are the correct materials for recycling. Any incorrect item is removed and placed in the correct location.
Textile Reuse
A Salvation Army collection bank is utilised to re-use items of clothing.
Organic Recycling
All green waste is segregated and placed in a separate skip for recycling. This includes grass cutting or any gardening waste.
Hazardous Recycling
We recover our solvents for re-use, partnering with off-site facilities to ensure responsible handling. Additionally, we facilitate the collection of batteries, vape materials, ink tins, solvent wipes, and oils to minimise waste and promote sustainability.
Furthermore, we collect electrical items, fluorescent tubes, aerosols, and ink cartridges for recovery whenever possible.
Internal Re-Use
We take great pride in our commitment to sustainability by repurposing our cardboard boxes for deliveries whenever possible. Additionally, our dedication extends to recycling plastic lids in our printing process multiple times, eliminating the necessity of purchasing new ones. This not only reduces waste but also contributes to a more environmentally conscious approach to our operations.
Other Items
We also recycle or reuse metal items, metal barrels, wood pallets, ballpoint pens, and anything else we possibly can.
Recycling Area
Our recycling area has a meticulously outlined and clear plan, as illustrated. Every section is clearly marked, ensuring each item finds its rightful place before collection.
Anything that doesn't fit into our recycling scheme is taken to create Energy from Waste.
Recycling Schemes
We are proud participants in the Spontex Recycling scheme, contributing to the recycling of disposable gloves. With nearly a quarter of a million gloves recycled to date, we are making a meaningful difference. Through this initiative, we are not only promoting sustainability but also supporting our chosen charity, Lives in Horncastle. Despite the conclusion of the crisp packet drop-off scheme in 2022, we still continue to responsibly recycle these packets by partnering with our local supermarket. We also utilise the HP take-back scheme, ensuring the proper collection and recycling of HP cartridges and oil from the Indigo machine.
Packaging
Each form of packaging uses a lot of resources like energy, water, chemicals, petroleum, minerals, wood and fibres to produce. At J&A International we are very mindful of this and we have reviewed our packaging options to be as Environmentally friendly as possible. This is despite the higher cost of providing such materials.
Packaging
Plastic
All of the plastic bags that we use are made from 100% recycled materials and further to this, if there is any other plastic used for packaging, it will contain a minimum of 30% recycled materials. Humans currently produce more than 350 million metric tons of plastic waste per year and therefore, we as a company strive to ensure we use as little plastic as possible in our packaging.
Rigid Cardboard
At the J&A Group we sell many larger products such as signs and boards, which comes with extra support needed when packaging them. To ensure both durability and eco-friendliness we use recyclable rigid cardboard.
When we dispatch our smaller items, we always use reinforced paper bags or Jiffy bags with recycled content. These are brilliant eco-friendly options that ensure your products are delivered without any damage whilst still being as eco-friendly as possible.
Tape
Whilst plastic or vinyl tape is the standard for packaging products due to its minimal cost, at the J&A Group we exclusively use paper-based tape for all our packaging needs which further reduces our packaging’s environmental footprint.
Void Fill
When packing our products, our employees always prioritise using the nearest size box or packet to minimise any need for using void fill. However, unfortunately sometimes void fill becomes necessary and when this does happen, we always use paper to fill those gaps. This keeps the product safe from damage whilst still being environmentally friendly.
Products
At the J&A Group we're passionate about our eco-friendly products and are constantly inspiring our customers to take the eco-conscious path by offering a diverse range of high-quality sustainable products across all our divisions. From compostable labels to bamboo ballpens we cover all your business' sustainable needs!
We're also proud to say that many of our products are responsibly sourced and meet globally recognised standards for the environment. When you choose these products, you're not just making a purchase; you're actively contributing to a more sustainable future and playing a part in preserving forests for generations to come!
Products
At J&A we want to enable and inspire businesses to live more sustainably, so we’re focusing on introducing sustainable and eco-friendly products throughout our divisions.
Fast Pens
At Fast Pens we have introduced a range of sustainable pens, including bamboo ballpens, paper ballpens and recycled aluminium ballpens to reduce the amount of single-use plastic used in pens. In addition to that, we also released Kraft Notebooks and Cork Notebooks as an eco-friendly alternative to our polyurethane notebooks, ensuring that even the covers are sustainable.
Name Badges International
At Name Badges International we offer several eco-friendly badges that are ideal for promoting the eco credentials of your company. Our wooden name badges are made from responsibly sourced and fully recyclable oak. We also have re-usable metal badges which not only encourage multiple uses, but are also made from fully recyclable metal.
Stickers International & Labels International
At both Stickers International & Labels International, we offer various eco-friendly labels. Our Compostable labels are made from sustainable pulp combined with a compostable permanent adhesive. Alongside this, we offer recyclable grass paper labels which are made from 30% grass (or more accurately, sun-dried hay) and 70% virgin pulp as well as recycled paper labels which are made from 100% post-consumer recycled fibre combined with a permanent adhesive.
Profile Packaging
Our Profile Packaging boxes are made with E-flute material which is corrugated cardboard that is made from recycled content and is fully recyclable, plastic free, compostable, and vegan friendly! In addition, our compostable pouches are made entirely from kraft paper and PLA and they proudly display the words "I'M COMPOSTABLE" across the top.
Carbon Neutral
We are proud to announce that the J&A Group have become Carbon Neutral.
Many completed and ongoing projects have significantly reduced the amount of carbon we release in to the atmosphere - future projects will reduce our emissions yet further, but with the Company growing year on year, we realised we needed more help to enable us to reach our target of neutrality.
Carbon Neutral
The first thing we needed to do was to assess where we currently are, so we employed The British Print Industry Federation to evaluate and verify our scope 1,2 and 3 emissions as follows:
Scope 1 Emission - Direct Emissions
The use of gas in our dryers and heaters to produce transfers and heat our premises.
Scope 2 Emission – Energy Indirect Emission
The electricity produced for us to use on our site.
Scope 3 Emission - Other Indirect Emission
The inks we use for production, all the packaging supplied to send to our customers, travelling to and from work and everything else required for manufacturing our products.
Next, we partnered with Carbon Footprint, a company specialising is bringing to market evaluated and verified schemes, to help us to offset the remainder of our CO2 emission by investing in projects around the world which reduce the amount of carbon being released in to the atmosphere.
After considering various projects we decided to invest in one which provides improved Cook Stoves in developing countries. This not only facilitates clean cooking practices reducing health risks from indoor air pollution but also leads to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and the byproducts of combustion.
Each year we will actively strive to reduce our carbon emissions, we will ensure our remaining emissions are independently assessed and we will partner with high quality companies, investing in verified projects which offset the balance of our emissions.
Tree Planting Scheme
Having looked at various tree planting schemes to help offset some of our carbon emissions, we made the decision to go further and create a native and diverse broadleaf woodland habitat close to home.
Read more and find out in-depth details on how we have achieved this...