Alpha Colour has elected to buy a carbon neutralised Speedmaster XL 75-4+L from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg). The press was purchased at drupa 2012 in Düsseldorf. That means that the carbon used in the manufacture of the press is calculated and a sum put back into sustainability projects. 

At the same time the Gloucester company has chosen to install the press with an electric metering system, allowing it to measure the kilowatts used in production. Its environmental certifications include ISO 140001, FSC and PEFC and managing director Jeff Williams says that its public sector customers and major corporate enterprises are spear-heading demand for greater sustainability from their supply chain. Having assessed its product portfolio, Alpha is replacing a CD 74 five-colour and coater with the XL 75-4+LX. It installed a first XL 75 last year and this has the fifth unit for specials as required so the four-colour can focus on the more common process jobs. 

"One less press unit coupled with the new DryStar 3000 dryer means there is a 20% reduction in energy usage and the XL 75 technology. The energy meter will allow us to prove to ourselves and our customers the greater energy efficiency of this press. With Axis Control spectral measurement we will enhance makeready times and reduce both start up and running waste and the wash up system is very efficient, using only the amount of chemistry needed. Given the cost of electricity, paper and chemistry this environment tack also has commercial advantages," says Jeff Williams.

Sales director Maggie Williams believes that the cost of carbon neutralising the Speedmaster XL 75 is an ethical choice and, at relatively little cost, a strong selling point for a client base which includes health authorities, councils and other Government bodies as well as commercial customers. 

The company has seen a 20 % lift in productivity with the replacement of the first CD 74 with an XL 75 and it believes this will be matched by the second press which is being installed in the summer. "We will be able to provide customers with even quicker turnrounds and more flexible loadings," says Maggie Williams. "It is not unusual for a customer to sign off a PDF in the morning and have the print delivered in the afternoon. 

The company has Prinect workflows connecting the prepress and press departments which, along with Axis Control and the ink.line cartridge system enables it to work to top colour and quality levels. It is ISO 9001 quality accredited.