London-based Hatch was first registered as a business at the end of March 2017 as a web-to-print service aimed at simplifying high-quality print-on-demand for creatives and entrepreneurs.
Founder Gary Toomey established contact with the Vegetarian Society last year to signal his interest in making his company’s output certifiably vegan. He attended the Vegan Life live show at Alexandra Palace to see how companies in other sectors were managing the shift to prioritising environmental and ethical concerns.
“It was a new one for the Vegetarian Society, so we were both on new ground,” said Toomey. “We were told we would need to audit our entire supply line. We contacted everyone and asked how each item was produced and whether it contained animal products.
“Each supplier had to sign off on that. If they couldn't or it did contain animal products we looked for a new supplier. We had to look at an order from the moment it got to us and follow every step, every touchpoint until it left us, to ensure we had covered everything.
“It means we have to actively think about our suppliers and supply chain, we have to ensure ethics are put first. I just want to produce great products that aren’t harming the planet and aren’t harming the animals we share it with.”
Hatch had to be able to trace all of its resources, including paper, glue, ink and adhesive products, back to its source to satisfy the Vegetarian Society. Describing the shift in how his firm dealt with its suppliers, Toomey said it became less of a problem as veganism became a “fundamental pillar” of the printer’s operations.
The firm has also worked to become more sustainable through a series of initiatives and accreditations – it is FSC accredited for its use of paper from sustainably-managed forests.
It has reduced its carbon footprint with the use of LED lighting, partnering with courier services such as DPD, which acts on environmental responsibilities, and using bicycle courier Gophr in central London.
Hatch recycles all paper, card, plastic, metal and chemical waste. It has access to parent company Fontain’s machinery – which includes an HP Indigo – for print production.
Toomey said the firm is on course to hit its first year sales target of £500,000 and would be “doubling down on production and efficiencies so we can produce more work effectively”.
