The Mailing People, a mailing house and wholly owned subsidiary of Bishops Printers, has announced it has bolstered its environmental credentials with a trio of new investments designed to cut energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and support clients seeking greener marketing solutions.
Central to the announcement is a new partnership with Konica Minolta, whose AccurioPress 6272P (mono) and C12000e (colour) presses now take centre stage in The Mailing People’s digital print room. The decision marks a phased departure from the firm’s long-standing relationship with Xerox, prompted by the phasing out of key machines in the Nuvera range.
“We spent over six months assessing the market,” explains Managing Director Kristian Harrington. “Our criteria were strict: speed, quality, and the ability to support both mono and colour production without compromising on efficiency. Konica Minolta ticked every box and more.”
According to The Mailing People the new machines are already delivering results. The 6272P offers mono production at speed while the C12000e outperforms the previous Versant 3100 and adds inline booklet finishing for fully variable stitched books, cutting turnaround times and manual handling. The ability to switch envelope printing from their previous inkjet system also means better quality envelopes produced more efficiently and at a better price point, the company continued.
“The level of service and partnership was the final deciding factor in our move to Konica Minolta”, commented Harrington. “They have a really good understanding of our challenges and printing requirements both now and in the future”.
Jon Hiscock, head of production and industrial print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd commented: "By reducing energy consumption and waste, both the AccurioPress 6272P and AccurioPress C12000e are designed with sustainability firmly in mind. Both machines utilise our unique Simitri HD (High Definition) polymerised toner, which not only delivers high productivity and outstanding print results, but also utilises lower fusing temperatures, which further reduces energy consumption. The toner is also designed to be easily de-inkable, which aids in paper recycling and reduces water pollution in the process."
Both presses also carry EPEAT Gold certification, added The Mailing People, reflecting high energy efficiency standards, and their arrival coincides with another change behind the scenes.
The presses now run entirely on solar energy, thanks to almost 100 panels installed by The Logical Group in late March. With ideal weather, The Mailing People says the system allows the company to generate up to 80% of its own electricity, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
“The Logical Group really impressed us with their consultative, down-to-earth approach,” Harrington added. “They understood what we needed and delivered it – no fluff, no drama. The live dashboard has become my new obsession!”
Dave Pollinger, director of The Logical Group said: “We were delighted to be asked by Kristian and his team to look at how we could not only reduce the site’s energy consumption, but also the carbon emissions associated with that energy use. After reviewing the site’s activities, it was agreed solar was the best option to achieve this. With quick paybacks and instant carbon reduction, the solution met all of Kristians requirements. We’re delighted everyone at The Mailing People is pleased with the solution - and we completely understand the obsession with the live dashboard!”
Rounding off the triple investment is the arrival of a Sitma W1150 10 paper wrap machine, capable of wrapping up to five items in 90gsm white paper, replacing traditional plastic wrap for a wide range of jobs.
With capacity for A5 to A4 packs up to 25mm thick, the machine offers inline variable mono print and adds a new sustainable mailing option to TMP’s toolkit – one that many clients are already exploring.
“Our customers want more sustainable solutions without compromising on quality or cost-effectiveness,” said Harrington. “This machine means we can say yes to that more often, and back it up with performance.”
You can find out more about Bishops Printers in our Publishing Services Directory.
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