Ast announces sustainable way to process backing paper

Branding company Ast has detailed a sustainable way to process used backing paper, which it is asking printing and signage industries to adopt.

Ast describes itself as the UK’s only carbon neutral transport branding company and has put particular focus in recent years on reducing its environmental impact. It has gained a waste accreditation certificate from FESPA UK for its waste processing standards and is now involved in FESPA UK’s Waste Management Project.

As part of the project, Ast worked with FESPA UK and its chosen waste management provider, Reconomy, to evaluate all its waste processing systems with the goal of making them more sustainable. The processing of used silicone backing paper is seen by Ast as an industry-wide problem, as in its opinion, there is not a genuinely sustainable way to process it.

Jon Hutton from FESPA UK worked alongside Ast to implement a multi-stage sustainable process system for used silicone backing paper.

The system involves delivery of the backing paper to a wastepaper transfer station facility. The card core is separated from the silicone paper through guillotining. The silicone paper is blended with other grades of paper, shredded, and made into mill-size bales for use by a paper mill. The silicone is then removed through a chemical process, and the remaining fibre is re-pulped.

This process, according to Ast, allows for all materials to be either repurposed or recycled, allowing for a more sustainable process overall.

Speaking of the findings, managing director of Ast Signs, Mark Aston, explains: “Processing used backing paper in a way that’s truly sustainable has been an ongoing problem in the industry for years, so we’re really keen to share the changes we’ve made and lead and encourage positive change within the print industry.”

Speaking of Ast’s inclusion in the waste accreditation program, director of FESPA UK Suzi Ward, comments: “We are excited to welcome Ast as part of our waste accreditation program and as a new member of the association. We value proactive businesses that are eager to share their experiences and support others in the industry.

“We look forward to their involvement in the development of the waste accreditation project, as well as its participation in other key initiatives such as the Next Generation Initiative and our Sustainability Summit."

FESPA’s Next Generation Initiative, which was formed in January 2023, is a sub-board formed within FESPA UK comprising of 18- to 30-year-olds in print, graphics, and signage. The initiative aims to understand the ideas and concerns of the younger generation in print and drive lasting industry changes.