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DCK - Ireland's leading direct mail and printing group -
has recently been awarded two prestigious international environmental
certifications - FSC and PEFC.
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The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
award signifies that both the printer and its clients
actively demonstrate and support sound environmental practices,
as well as proper forestry management. |
In order for a company to use either the FSC or PEFC logo
as an environmental claim on paper, the product must have
flowed through a chain-of-custody from the FSC or PEFC certified
forest to a paper manufacturer or merchant and, finally, to
a printer who has FSC and PEFC certification.
Chain of custody certification of paper is rapidly becoming
the preferred method of demonstrating commitment - not just
to environmental practice, but also appropriate economic and
social policy. Companies using these certifications are one
step ahead when demonstrating concern for the global environment.
There are many mixed source and recycled paper options available
under the FSC and PEFC certifications, depending on client
preference.
DCK Managing Director, Brian O'Kennedy believes that Ireland
trails behind other countries in adopting a proactive approach
to the environment. "In my opinion, the Irish print industry
and its customers have been slow to embrace international
best-in-class environmental options - such as FSC and PEFC
- and have adopted a defensive attitude to the 'green issue'."
He added - "In the UK there are over 300 print and paper
companies certified under either FSC or PEFC. In Ireland there
are only seven - of which only four of us are printers."
DCK is also the first mail fulfillment company in Ireland
to achieve certification.
Mr O'Kennedy continued - "Today, our customers are keen
to know their carbon footprint and want us to help them reduce
their carbon emissions and demonstrate their concern for the
environment. There's a lot that we can do with paper and related
print materials to be more environmentally and socially responsible.
DCK provides advice and practical solutions to its customers
- to help them produce more environmentally friendly print
and mailings."
In addition to facilitating the use of the FSC and PEFC logos
on certified materials, DCK offers customers other environmentally
friendly options such as use of recycled materials, vegetable-based
inks and more environmentally-friendly laminates and envelopes.
Sensible environmental policy can also make good economic
sense and most environmental options are now as cost-effective
- and may also reduce the cost of waste.
DCK are looking to 'walk the talk' by implementing
their own internal waste management program and a number of
carbon footprint reduction programs over the coming year.
According to Brian O'Kennedy - "There is no reason why
Ireland cannot lead the way in terms of environmentally friendly
print solutions - DCK plans to be a leader in this area."
For more information on FSC - Click
Here
For more information on PEFC - Click
Here
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