Ipswich-based Healeys Printers, has purchased 95kW of solar panels for its factory roof as part of its new ‘Road to Net Zero’ proposition, to reduce 90% of its CO2 emissions by 2035.
The new low carbon technology will generate approximately 40% of the energy needed, with an estimated saving of up to £30,000 a year on its energy bills. The business has also installed LED lighting throughout its two factories, reducing energy use by 75%, as well as investing in an electric fleet of company cars.
Sustainability has been a core pillar of Healeys Printers since 2012, when it became a carbon neutral business through The World Land Trust. In 2023, it was the first UK SME printing business to implement Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTIs), setting a carbon reduction target of 42%, which it accomplished within the year.
Achieving this target in such a short space of time prompted the firm to work with an external consultant to examine and reduce its scope 3 emissions and officially start its ‘Road to Net Zero’. This included investing in solar panels, efficient equipment and a new machine to broaden its capabilities, backed by a £170k funding package from Lloyds Bank. Part of this featured support from its Clean Growth Finance Initiative, which offers discounted lending for investments that boost sustainability.
The funding was put towards investment in three major upgrades, to further Healeys’ offering as a luxury printer. This included replacing old equipment to be more efficient and purchasing a new machine to introduce a UV varnish and foiling capability, which will help it stand out in the market.
Philip Dodd, managing director at Healeys Printers, commented, ‘In a constantly evolving industry like printing, it’s important to innovate and look at ways you can prepare for the future, for us, this includes broadening our services with a new machine for UV varnish and foiling, as well as investing in our sustainability offering.
‘Sustainability has been on our radar as a key point of difference for over a decade, but recently we realised that paying for carbon offsetting isn’t enough. That’s why we introduced SBTIs and brought in a third party to help us on our journey to net zero. The funding from Lloyds Bank was able to help make energy-saving recommendations a reality, and the investment in solar panels is reducing our carbon footprint and helping us save money. Ultimately, this means I’m able to further invest in the business and my staff, to continue to grow and evolve our offering.’
Jack Dixon, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, added, ‘We’ve been by the side of Healeys Printers since 1997, with the printing industry evolving massively since then. It’s great to see how Healeys has adapted to stay relevant and is now looking to build on its sustainability credentials to futureproof the business, whilst also freeing up time and money to further invest in its wide offering. We look forward to continuing our support on the business’ journey to net zero.’
