Under the scheme the energy consumption from the flagship of the range VarioPrint® 6250 was measured by Shining Earth^® over all of its key functions and operating modes and from this data the CO2 released as a consequence of electricity generation was determined over the lifetime of the machine. To make a positive step beyond carbon neutrality, through Shining Earth^® Océ offset 200% of the CO2 for each of the VarioPrint® 6000 machines sold. To date this has resulted in 2217 tonnes of CO2 being offset.

The CO2 emissions calculated under the scheme have been offset in three initiatives;

·         International Renewable Energy Investments,

·         International Methane Capture Projects, and

·         UK Afforestation carbon sequestration schemes.

PLUS+

Going further, Océ also commissioned Shining Earth^® to perform an Environmental Stewardship Appraisal at the sites of the first 25 of the VarioPrint® 6000 series machines installed, at no cost to the customer. Shining Earth^® has now undertaken all 25 ESA’s for Oce’s customers ranging from university print rooms to large scale industrial print units. In total Shining Earth^® has recommended savings of 649.1 tonnes of CO2, 25,301m3 of water and approx. £127,898 savings a year for Océ’s customers.

The Carbon Positive PLUS+ scheme is not only enhancing the environmental credentials of the VarioPrint® 6000 series product range but also the credentials of the customers who operate it. The programme has received an exceptionally positive reception by the print industry and has also featured in local and national press and media.

“This is a unique offering to the market and we are very proud to have developed this initiative in partnership with Océ UK. The print industry has mixed reputation for environmental stewardship and we sincerely hope this initiative marks the start of an industry wide revolution to raise the standard of environmental performance”

Gareth Pickles, Managing Director, Delta-Simons