This is a guest article written by Robert Irwin, HSQE Manager at TJ Books.
TJ Books are “Passionate about print”. We are an independent printer producing colour and mono books from our print site in Padstow, Cornwall. We offer a wide range of trim sizes and FSC paper choices, and print from 1 book to thousands, offering Print on Demand, Auto Stock Replenishment and full digital and litho printing to individuals and Publishers across the UK and internationally.
A multi million investment plan over the last 4 years means that TJ Books has the most up to date digital print technology for colour and black and white books, and can offer sewn, PUR and perfect bound books for short or long runs in both hardback and paperback. We are a service focused business with dedicated client managers working with small and large publishers across the trade and education markets, as well directly with authors, businesses and design agencies to bring their print projects to life.
Profit, Planet and People
TJ books have undertaken a programme of changes to enhance environmental awareness in our staff and improve sustainability across our site. Easy wins included powering down our manufacturing lines during shift changes and lunch breaks to prevent wasted electricity, and supplying all staff with reusable water bottles to cut down on single use paper and plastics. Office lighting was switched to work on movement sensors and water wastage reduction devices were installed in all toilets. We are undergoing a 100% switchover to LED lights in the manufacturing areas, which will bring about a reduction in carbon footprint. We intend to replace our LPG-powered fork-lift fleet with electric motor trucks in the coming months and have begun an education programme on waste, recycling and waste management.
We are wholly committed to recycling and are currently rationalising our waste streams to drive up these recycling rates to their absolute maximum. TJ Books has defined a roadmap running to the end of 2026 itemising year-on-year improvements in our corporate responsibility which is supported by our ISO 14001 certification and culture of continuous improvement.
We strive to meet the ‘triple bottom line’ of profit, planet and people in order to support sustainable development as per the Brundtland Definition. It’s absolutely critical for a business which relies on trees for substrate to make ethical choices in purchasing, and our FSC certification enlightens our quest!
All our paper and board materials are responsibly sourced according to FSC requirements, so this will include hardbacks, paperbacks, litho and digital production across the entire site – have a look at some of our products here.
Proudly meeting standards and supporting clients to make green choices
The focus on sustainability, ethical and environmental standards has never been greater, and not only do we see this internally, but externally too. Many of our publishing clients have made commitments to long term sustainability in their supply chain or net zero targets and it is critical that their print partners support this. TJ Books are proud to meet these standards through our FSC certification and our programme of continuous improvement and regularly report on this for their clients.
We have found the FSC audit process to be straightforward and the auditors helpful in suggesting areas for continual improvement. Interested companies must carry out due diligence on wood product suppliers – so expect high standards from your supply chain in terms of product and human ethics, and ask for evidence that the standards are met in order to satisfy your business risk assessment system.
Find out more about TJ Books online.