A PRINTER has invested more than £1.5million in a new press which will have less impact on the environment.

Blackmore, based in Shaftesbury, says the press will promote green printing by reducing consumable energy usage and lowering the carbon footprint of print.

The Komori GL540 can print up to 16,500 sheets per hour and combines green printing with increased capacity for brochures, packaging, magazines and more.

Blackmore managing director Andrew Robbins said: “Everything we do at Blackmore is underpinned by our ethos to limit any impact on the environment. 

“We make sure that greener print comes as standard for all our client print projects. So, it was really important for us to select a print press with excellent ‘green’ credentials. The press can print using either conventional vegetable-based inks or ozone-free UV inks; it has a reduced power consumption, reduced CO2 emissions, and reduced paper and ink consumption, whilst keeping VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions low.

“It is also a very flexible machine, as it can print on a range of materials from lightweight paper to craft boards for packaging such as mailing boxes or company folders. It can also handle a variety of sizes from business cards right up to B1 size, ideal for posters and signs.

“It has five print units (including UV white inks) and can apply a range of decorative coatings and spot UV varnishes to highlight elements of the design, taking our client print projects to the next level.”

Komori says 95 per cent of the environmental impact of a press takes place during the usage stage. “During the critical stage, this press achieves a minimal impact by saving energy and resources through shorter ‘make ready’ time, minimal paper waste, and reducing harmful chemical substances,” it said.

Formed in 1900, Blackmore has won several awards for its environmental credentials and holds the ISO:14001 environmental certificate.

Its clients range from large corporates and world-renowned charities to local, smalls-scale businesses. It is also working with local businesses on a new on-demand packaging print service.