Top award for print group's environmental work

It has been a “long, hard” journey, but Eckersley Print Group at Narangba, took great pride in winning the region’s Environmental Sustainability Award.

“We are delighted to win this award,” said Director of Sales and Market Leanne Eckersley at the Moreton Bay Business Excellence & Innovation Awards on Friday.

“We’ve worked very hard in the Moreton Bay Region for environmentally positive outcomes.

“It has been a very, very hard and long process – but something we are very proud of with carbon neutral outcomes.”

Worked hard

The business, in its 50^th year, is a group of niche print companies including Print Approach, Cross & Hamilton Printers, Easifile, The Printing Office, Nicholason Printers, ABC Print and Fine Print.

Employing 28 people, it has local, state and national clients and recently won a Silver Medal for environmental sustainability at the National Print Awards.

“My dad James Eckersley started with a very profound outlook and my brothers Tom, Jim, Luke and I have supported that outcome,” Leanne Eckersley said.

“We have worked hard in our machines, applications, inks, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, all our paper stocks are FSC certified.

Truly renewable

“We have a circular economy for our (printing) plates and our paper.

“I think the print industry, unfortunately, is often demonised but paper is the one truly renewable industry.

“It employs millions of people around the world, it’s socially responsible and definitely environmentally responsible.

“It costs less to print an email than is does to send 10 emails.”

Good planning

Managing Director Tom Eckersley said COVID has presented challenges for the business in the last 18 months.

“It has been very difficult for our supply chains,” Mr Eckersley said. “We have a global supply chain and it has been very fragmented.

“But through good planning and organisation we have worked through those issues.”

He also said Moreton Bay Region had been a “great spot to build and grow our business over the past 50 years.”