Arc won the contract, which will see it provide vinyl displays for Landsec’s 1,729 sites, which includes shopping centres and individual retail outlets and offices across the UK, on the basis of its ability to provide its print on a carbon-neutral basis by offsetting emissions.
The company will also work with Landsec to reduce its carbon emissions over the course of the four-year contract, which Arc called a “multi-million” pound deal. The deal may be extended for a further two.
Darren Moorhouse, head of sales UK & Europe for Arc, said: “It is our aim to ensure that reducing carbon footprints, and cutting emissions in line with local communities’ targets, is a cornerstone of our business.
“We believe strongly in helping our environment and our carbon neutral production sets a precedent for the industry as we become one of the first printing companies to offer this. Our partnership with Landsec further supports these plans and we look forward to working together to help tackle the UK’s carbon footprint.”
Arc’s display work will be printed on its stable of Canon Colorado and Arizona digital presses, and will use entirely PVC-free vinyls and fabrics.
Landsec has committed to reducing its operational emissions by 70% by 2030 from its 2013/4 baseline, and has announced goals to reduce the emissions generated in building its office and residential properties by 50% before 2030, and has dedicated £135m of funding to decarbonising its supply chain.
Pablo Sueiras, head of retail asset management at Landsec, said: “We create sustainable places, ensuring that we reduce the environmental impact of our destinations at every turn.
“By partnering with our customers, guests, and our supply chain, we believe that our spaces can generate value for people and the planet.
“We’re looking at how we can make every element of our business more sustainable and working with Arc has allowed us to make a tangible step in reducing our environmental impact across our retail destinations.”
The British wing of American-headquartered Arc Document Solutions, Arc moved last year to a newly built eco-friendly 2,800sqm site in Dartford.
It was certified as a carbon neutral printer by specialist print and packaging carbon consultancy Carbon Quota, and has said it will only use electricity from renewable sources from 2024.
Jenny May, client services manager at Carbon Quota, said: “Demand is increasing rapidly for carbon measurements across the print sector, it’s therefore vital for manufacturers to take control of their emissions. A growing trend we are seeing is that suppliers are losing contracts if they can’t provide accurate carbon reporting.
“Arc is ahead of the competition and clearly sees the benefits of managing its carbon impact effectively. Not only does this strategy support it with new business deals, it more importantly shows Arc’s true commitment to reduce its impact on the environment and help reduce the effects of climate change.”
Arc employs 52, and turned over £8m in 2022.
