January 2025 – Premier, one of the UK’s leading distributors of paper and materials, has announced the installation of solar panels across its multiple branches as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices. This initiative marks a significant step towards reducing the company’s carbon footprint, with installations expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The transition to clean, renewable energy will allow Premier to power its operations in a more environmentally friendly manner, aligning with the UK’s broader push towards a greener economy.

The solar panel installations are a key element of Premier’s broader sustainability strategy, which seeks to minimise environmental impact and promote responsible resource usage throughout the paper industry. By integrating renewable energy solutions into its daily operations, Premier is setting a powerful example of how businesses can operate more sustainably, without compromising on productivity or performance. The solar installations on its first 5 of its 18 locations, once fully operational, are projected to generate over 547,500 kWh of electricity annually. This shift will significantly reduce Premier’s dependency on non-renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoid over 257 tonnes of CO2 annually, helping the company reach its ambitious environmental goals.

A Bold Move Towards a Greener Future

Premier’s investment in solar energy reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. By leveraging solar technology, the company aims to create a positive impact, not only within its operations but also across the wider supply chain, fostering a culture of sustainability within the paper industry.

“We are incredibly proud to take this next step in our sustainability journey,” said Hussein Ismail, Marketing Director at Premier. “The installation of solar panels across the first 5 of our UK branches is a testament to our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and investing in cleaner energy solutions. We already offer our customers the opportunity to mitigate their CO2 emissions from the materials they purchase through the Carbon Capture® programme. We also have an ongoing project reviving the practicality and sustainability introduction of electric trucks into place and much of our car fleet is electric or hybrid. The solar panels will not only allow us to power most of our daily operations with renewable energy but will also support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It’s a win-win situation for both our company                                                                                                                                                              and the environment.”

The solar panel project is being carried out in collaboration with Centreco, one of the UK’s leading installers of solar energy systems. Centreco’s expertise in renewable energy installations ensures that Premier’s project is executed to the highest standards, maximising efficiency and the long-term benefits of solar power.

Commitment to Long-Term Sustainability

In addition to solar energy, Premier has implemented various other sustainability initiatives to minimise its environmental impact such as reducing waste across the production cycle, being a part of FESPA UK’s innovative approach to sustainability and supporting reforestation efforts.

Premier’s partnership with FESPA UK highlights an innovative approach to sustainability. This collaboration focuses on promoting environmentally friendly practices within the print and packaging sectors, fostering an industry-wide commitment to sustainable development. Through these joint efforts, Premier enhances its environmental performance and supports the growth of sustainable practices across the entire industry.

For more information on Premier’s sustainability initiatives click here or follow them on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest developments.