ENVIRONMENT / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has sent out a notice, highlighting significant savings that are available for those in the printing sector using significant energy. Under the BPIF’s Climate Change Levy (CCL) reduction scheme, those in the printing industry carrying out printing processes on site and using more than 500,000kwh per annum can apply for levies that can result in major savings. In return for a commitment to reducing energy usage in relation to production elements such as improved throughput efficiencies, participating companies can make reported savings of 92% on the electricity levy and 89% on the gas levy. The BPIF is the sole provider of the CCL reduction scheme for the printing industry in the UK, with over 300 UK printing sites currently saving a combined £11m per year. According to the BPIF, the scheme does not count as energy buying and does not impact your existing supply agreement. Non-profit organisation, Two Sides, has now challenged over 3,000 organisations worldwide it found to be making misleading environmental claims about paper. As a result of pressure from Two Sides, more than 1,320 organisations have removed or amended unsubstantiated statements such as “Go Green – Go Paperless” or “Choose e-billing and help save a tree.” In recent years, many organisations have shifted customers from paper-based communications to digital platforms to reduce their costs, subsequently shifting their messaging to suggest digital is a more sustainable option than print. Sectors such as tissue and paper-based packaging are also increasingly targeted by greenwashing, Two Sides says. Companies in the sector have increasingly made what Two Sides describes as “vague or unverified claims” about new or alternative fibre sources being more sustainable and saving trees, without what the organisation labels as “credible evidence”. According to Two Sides, consumer sentiment does not support these digital switches. According to the organisation’s 2025 Trend Tracker report, 56% of European consumers believe that the environmental reasons given for moving to digital are disingenuous and primarily motivated by cost reduction. In addition, 76% of consumers said that they want the right to choose how they receive communications and oppose being forced into digital-only options. In Europe alone, Two Sides has persuaded more than 840 organisations to change or withdraw their negative messaging around paper, including many brands such as HMRC, Santander, Volksbank, and Hess Natur. The Two Sides 2025 Trend Tracker report also reportedly revealed a misunderstanding by consumers of what causes deforestation. When asked which industries or activities have the greatest impact on forests, 60% of European consumers believe urban development poses the greatest threat, with 58% believing palm oil plantations were the main cause, and 54% choosing construction and timber. 46% deemed the paper and pulp industry as the most significant contributor, up from 42% in 2023. Only 41% of respondents identified agriculture as the key cause, while in reality, deforestation is primarily driven by agricultural expansion, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Organisations which have changed their messaging include HMRC and Santander BPIF highlights savings of energy levy scheme Route 1 Print has expanded its onsite solar energy capacity as part of its wider sustainability strategy. In 2023, Route 1 Print completed the first phase of its solar panel project, installing 646 solar panels with an estimated annual output of 209MWh. Encouraged by the success and output of this initial installation, the company has now committed to covering the remaining roof areas. The newly installed bank adds an additional 1,765 panels, expected to generate an additional 839.6MWh per year. Combined, the two installations are projected to supply approximately 13 to 15% of Route 1 Print’s total annual energy needs. The company’s ultimate goal is to become entirely self-sufficient by balancing energy efficiency improvements with increased onsite generation. The installation is part of the company’s wider investment strategy, with over £8m invested in the past year to support growth across its product range. Two Sides continues fight against greenwashing Route 1 installs almost 2000 solar panels Applications for the CCL scheme have to be completed by the end of summer 2025 By Jonathan Pert The new panels are set to generate 839.6MWh per year By Jonathan Pert 24 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 By Jonathan Pert
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