An update from the sustainability Print Working Group

On the 28th of April 2021, isla, launched a membership and working group specifically focused on solving the challenges around sustainable print. Launching with eight print suppliers the group welcomes new members BAF Graphics, Twist Print, and Kamset to the network. 

Since they pledged to commit to isla’s print and graphics membership the group have been establishing their current sustainable print and waste management procedures. The data collected focused on the successes, learning experiences and implementation of these procedures. The aim is to produce a statement of “where we are” as a collective to share with the wider isla members and industry. This will form the baseline to be tracked and measured against, reviewing on a six-monthly basis to share their progress. 

To spearhead this project isla has appointed Laura Fell as Print Working Group Lead. Laura comes on secondment from one of isla’s founding members George P Johnson. Bringing over 6 years of experience in event print and large format as Senior Graphics Project Manager at the agency her background is in print (in many different forms) and then management of creatives. 

‘We are delighted that Laura is joining isla on secondment, we know that she is the perfect person to help isla make a true difference for the events industry.  As GPJ is a founding member, we are fully committed to supporting isla in creating a more sustainable future for events and is at the centre of our agency strategy.  We hope Laura can share all her invaluable insight with us and the rest of the industry as we move forward’  Alan Perks, Creative Director, George P Johnson

Laura will be chairing bi-monthly meetings with different topics for discussion and hoping that everyone comes eager to learn and collaborate to achieve the working group’s core goals. 

Laura said “There are many, many grey areas in print and graphic production. We know that there are no perfect answers to some of these questions. But through the commitment of shared knowledge, experience and expertise we can pivot the large format printing industry to one that is leading the charge in the race to be better.”

There is a wider education piece being addressed, for the isla membership, which will include helping planners make better decisions about what they are buying and the questions to ask regarding materials and end of life, with tangible results that they can then take back to their clients. Engaging the entire supply chain will drive for the transition towards a circular model, with agencies and print suppliers partnering to prove to clients what can be done and should be done with print.

As an industry, it’s time to take stock and regularly identify areas that can be improved, and, crucially, what has already been improved and is currently available. 

Check out the initial Print Working Group launch blog to find out about their commitment to addressing sustainable print in the event industry – HERE. 

Interested in being part of the solution for sustainable graphics and signage? Join isla’s Print Working Group (members only). If you’re an isla member email laura@weareisla.co.uk to get involved or become an isla member!