In November 2023, our founder Sarah Smith was invited to join a panel of local business leaders at Norwich Playhouse to share Dynamic Print’s approach to sustainability and the changes we have been making as a business. The Business Climate Stories event, hosted by Norwich Theatre, brought together businesses from across Norwich to talk openly about climate change, sustainability and the practical steps businesses can take to reduce their environmental impact. It was a great opportunity for Sarah to share some of the work we have been doing at Dynamic Print and to hear from other local businesses about the changes they are making too.
Our sustainability journey
Sarah joined the panel alongside Fran Ellington from TBLA Ltd, Edward Reed from Cornwall Insight and Rebekah Hill from Saxon Air Ltd. The discussions, led by Asher Minns, Executive Director at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia, focused on three areas: Business, Future and People. Sarah talked about where we are now with Dynamic Print and the steps we have taken to make our printing business more sustainable. For us, sustainability isn’t about making one huge change and then thinking the job is done. It’s about continually looking at how we work and asking ourselves what we could do better. That might be the paper we use, how we deal with waste, the equipment we invest in or even what we can do to improve the environment around our own premises.
Creating a haven for wildlife
One of the projects Sarah discussed was the transformation of the area around our industrial unit. Industrial estates aren’t usually associated with wildlife and biodiversity, so we wanted to see what we could do to change that. Over time, we have worked on the space around our unit to create a more wildlife-friendly environment, introducing planting and making changes to encourage insects, birds and other wildlife. It’s a small project in the bigger picture, but it’s something we’re proud of. Sustainability isn’t just about the products we buy or the waste we produce — it’s also about the environment around us and finding opportunities to improve it.
Turning waste into something useful
We’ve also looked closely at the waste created through our everyday printing processes. One practical investment has been a cardboard shredding machine, which allows us to turn waste cardboard into protective packaging material. This has helped us reduce our use of bubble wrap while giving waste cardboard another purpose. We have also been able to use the material to create upcycled paper pads, rather than simply sending it away as waste. It’s a simple idea, but it reflects the way we like to approach sustainability at Dynamic Print: before something becomes waste, can we find another use for it?
Sustainable papers with a difference
Our approach to sustainability also extends to the papers we offer our customers. We have built up a growing collection of interesting and unusual eco-friendly and sustainable papers, including papers made using materials such as cotton, seaweed, coffee husk and agricultural waste. We even have papers made using elephant dung and recycled denim! These papers aren’t simply about being environmentally conscious. They can also bring something completely different to a printed piece, with distinctive textures, colours and finishes that can make a project really stand out. For designers, businesses and individuals looking for a more sustainable option, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality or creativity.
We’re still learning and improving
Taking part in Business Climate Stories at Norwich Playhouse gave Sarah the chance to talk about the changes we have already made at Dynamic Print, but also about the things we still want to do. We certainly don’t have all the answers. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and there is always more we can learn and improve. What matters to us is continuing to make practical changes rather than simply talking about them. As Sarah said during the event: “It is time to act now. Climate change is not going away. Let’s stop talking and let’s start doing!” We’re proud to be a Norwich business and to be part of a local business community that is looking at how we can all operate more responsibly. We’ll keep making changes where we can — one practical step at a time.
Explore our sustainable papers
If you’re looking for something different for your next print project, take a look at our range of eco and sustainable papers. From recycled and agricultural waste papers to seaweed, coffee husk and other innovative materials, there’s plenty to discover.
Explore Dynamic Print’s Eco Papers
