PPA held a meeting recently with Defra to discuss the UK magazine industry’s voluntary producer agreement which sets out targets for post consumer magazine recycling in the UK. As part of this agreement PPA provides an annual report to Defra which outlines its progress on the recycling targets and PPA's environmental activities.
At the meeting, according to the PPA, Defra representatives praised the efforts of the PPA and UK magazine publishers in encouraging recycling and taking active measures to reduce waste. They were also encouraged to find that publishers do not only exceed expectations in recycling but that they go the extra mile in many other ways to reduce environmental impact. In addition, PPA and its members have been proactive in attempting to tackle the carbon footprint of printed magazines. Earlier this year, PPA launched a carbon footprint calculator available free to members. The PPA Carbon Calculator has created a flurry of interest internationally with dozens of inquiries from overseas. The Carbon Calculator was also recently voted Environmental Initiative of the Year by the Trade Association Forum.
