SUSTAINABILITY
Paper stands as one of the truly renewable, recyclable, and sustainable materials available to us.
At our commercial print studio, we are dedicated to responsible waste management. All paper waste generated is diligently transported to a local recycling company with a steadfast commitment to zero waste to landfill practices. Through this process, the discarded paper is transformed into fresh, new papers, further contributing to the circular economy.
In our stationery store, we prioritise the use of recycled papers, either entirely or partially derived from Pre and Post-Consumer Waste (PCW). By utilising PCW papers, we help divert materials from landfills, giving them a second life in the form of beautiful stationery products. To go the extra mile, some of our collections incorporate papers that contain up to 50% resource-saving fibers, such as wheat straw, cotton, grass, and cannabis. Each of our products provides detailed information on the papers used and the eco-friendly print production processes involved in their creation.
As specialists in foil stamping and embossing, we constantly strive to make our production processes as sustainable as possible. Foil stamping, our primary method, is a dry and solvent-free technique that minimizes energy consumption while imparting a dazzling metallic or special effect finish onto paper. This process leaves no emissions in its wake, exemplifying our commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
Furthermore, the cello bags employed for packaging our products align with our eco-friendly values. They are both compostable and biodegradable, ensuring a responsible end-of-life solution.
At our core, we strive to harmonize creativity and sustainability, offering you stationery products that not only inspire but also leave a positive imprint on the world around us.
Zero Foil 2 Landfill
After Hours Creative is enrolled in the Zero Foil 2 Landfill initiative which means our foil waste is converted to solid recovered fuel (SRF) to be used in the cement industry. This is used as a replacement for fossil fuels such as coal. Twelve tonnes of the polyester film used as a carrier for stamping foil replaces ten tonnes of fossil fuel.
Aside from recycling our foil waste, we also strive to deliver a clear message with our product collections, which is; foil stamped products are fully recyclable. It is a common misconception that a product with a metallic foil stamped finish cannot be recycled. Once transferred to paper, foil is so incredibly thin that it is completely dissipated during the re-pulping process. The process involves mixing paper or card products with water to turn them into a pulp. The pulp is then pressed, dried and rolled into new sheets of paper. This means that any of our foil-stamped products can be recycled.