November 2023 – Premier, a front-runner in environmental responsibility within the UK print industry, marked a significant milestone in its commitment to combat climate change, in collaboration with the Woodland Trust. On 15 November 2023, the picturesque former Frodsham golf course in north Cheshire blossomed into a haven for sustainability as 100 of Premier’s enthusiastic customers and staff came together to plant around 3000 native saplings; which will one day grow into a thriving forest.

Native trees hold the key to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Premier’s tree planting initiative, Carbon Capture®, exemplifies the company’s dedication to providing sustainable solutions for excess CO₂ emissions within the industry.

Hussein Ismail, Sustainable Business Director at Premier, commented on the day, “Carbon Capture isn’t just a logo on print, it’s helping people connect with, and give back to nature through the Woodland Trust. These tree-planting events are always well attended and a time for like-minded people in the industry to get together and enjoy the fresh air.”

The Frodsham site is set to be transformed into native broadleaf woodland, contributing to the growth of The Mersey Forest and the larger Northern Forest. With tree cover in Merseyside and Cheshire below the national average, this initiative serves as a beacon for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

The objectives at the site align with nature recovery, climate change mitigation, and community involvement. The new woodland will provide habitats for wildlife, offer public recreation spaces, and contribute to long-term carbon storage.

Premier’s Carbon Capture® program, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, not only offers a reduced carbon solution but also provides organisations with the opportunity to participate in tree planting days. These hands-on experiences allow staff and customers to engage directly in the creation and maintenance of native woodlands.

Premier is proud to contribute to the UK’s ‘net zero by 2050’ target through its Carbon Capture® program, ensuring that 100% of all charges go directly to the Woodland Trust’s work, without any deductions. To date, Premier’s environmental initiative has created over 3 million square meters of new native woodland in the UK, which equates to 107,571 tonnes of CO₂e to be mitigated.

For more information about Premier’s environmental initiatives and the Carbon Capture® program, please visit www.paper.co.uk.

The Premier Paper Group is a leading supplier of paper, packaging and materials to the UK market. In turn, Premier is part of OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd., a global company that operates in 22 countries across diverse sectors such as ICT systems, real estate, power generation and paper manufactory & distribution.

Premier is a leading company committed to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. With a focus on reducing carbon emissions, Premier’s Carbon Capture® program, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, exemplifies its dedication to creating a greener and healthier future.

About the Woodland Trust: The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK, with over 500,000 supporters. Established in 1972, the Trust aims to protect ancient woodland, restore damaged ancient woodland, and plant native trees to create resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Press Contact: David Jones – Group Marketing Director marketing@paper.co.uk

Premier Paper Group www.paper.co.uk

GPMI www.gpmi.ie