Our Sustainability Journey
Following our success in achieving carbon neutrality under the PAS 2060 standard (before it was globally withdrawn), we have ensured our continued commitment to working sustainably by submitting our emissions reduction targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
These have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are visible on its target dashboard, demonstrating that we are going beyond general sustainability promises and taking real, measurable action to make genuine progress towards Net Zero.
What does the Science Based Targets initiative mean?
SBTi approval confirms our targets align with climate science and support the Paris Agreement goals. In simple terms, it shows our plans remain realistic, measurable, and aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Importantly, it strengthens transparency and accountability, as we base our commitments on science rather than intention.
Next, we commit to cutting Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 63% by 2035 from a 2021 baseline. We also actively measure and reduce emissions across our upstream and downstream supply chain under Scope 3.
Finally, we go beyond general promises by setting clear, independently verified targets. As a result, this validation proves we take measurable action and make meaningful progress towards Net Zero.
Responsibility for the future
We began addressing our environmental impact in 2009 by installing our first HP Latex printer with water-based inks and introducing structured recycling. By 2011, all solvent printers had been replaced with Latex technology. In 2015, we moved into a purpose-built 21,000 sq ft Cumbrian HQ designed for efficiency, with LED lighting, air filtration, and improved recycling systems.
In 2016, we launched the Ast Network Partner Scheme to reduce travel by working with local applicators, and transitioned to digital processes, becoming fully paperless by 2018. The installation of our HP Latex R2000 Hybrid printer in 2020 completed our move to water-based inks.
In 2022, we added 325 solar panels, cutting CO₂ emissions and generating a significant portion of our energy. We also introduced EV charging and electric vehicles.
Today, we produce nearly half our electricity on-site. Sustainability continues to guide our decisions as we work to reduce our impact and improve industry practices.
Sustainable Waste Processing
For years, the industry struggled to find a sustainable way to deal with silicone backing paper. So, we worked closely with recycling partners and manufacturers to create a solution that works for everyone. Now, we can process all types of used backing paper sustainably and share this approach across the print industry.
We’re also proud to be a FESPA UK Sustainability Partner and hold their waste accreditation certificate. Through their Waste Management Project, FESPA reviewed our processes and helped us improve them even further. With efficient systems and over ten years of ISO14001, we now handle backing paper and most waste responsibly.
If you want to work more sustainably, we’d definitely recommend getting involved with the project.
How does us being sustainable help your business?
Reduced Environmental Impact:
Carbon footprint reduction: We reduce our carbon emissions through sustainable practices, reducing our overall environmental impact.
Improved corporate image: By partnering with Ast, you demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Recycling: Nearly all our waste is now recycled through our waste management accredited recycling scheme.
Cost of Savings:
Competitive pricing: Because we work so sustainably our systems are honed for maximum efficiency and minimum waste – so our pricing is always competitive.
Potential tax incentives: Some councils offer tax incentives or credits to businesses that adopt sustainable practices.
Long-term cost effectiveness: Adopting sustainable practices can lead to long-term cost savings through energy efficiency and reduced waste.
Regulatory Compliance:
Meeting environmental standards: Using Ast can help you stay compliant for Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and avoid potential penalties.
Customer Satisfaction:
Appealing to eco-conscious customers: Partnering with a conscientiously sustainable company like ours can attract environmentally conscious customers.
A Faster Turnaround: We’ve spent years honing our systems for maximum efficiency and minimal waste so our service times are fast.
The Best Warranties in the Industry: We use our own vynils and offer the longest warranties in the industry, so you have peace of mind for the years to come.
Reputation and Leadership:
Industry pioneer: By partnering with Ast you can position your fleet or business as an industry leader in sustainability.
Positive workplace culture: Supporting sustainability initiatives can boost employee morale and help attract top talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will choosing a more sustainable option cost me more?
Not with us— our systems are honed for maximum efficiency and minimum waste and so we can price competitively. We have our own in-house designers and manufacture ourselves so we can create with cost in mind.
By cutting out extra suppliers, transport, and unnecessary steps, we keep everything streamlined, which helps keep our prices competitive without affecting quality. It makes for a faster turnaround too.
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How does your approach actually benefit me as a customer?
Because of all the measures we’ve put in place to support us working in a sustainable way, we can now offer faster turnarounds, competitive pricing and minimum waste – which are all very tangible benefits to you.
Choosing Ast over other less sustainable suppliers will support your own sustainability and carbon calculations too.
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Will it last and perform well over time?
Yes—everything we make is built to handle real-world conditions, and we even laminate our vinyl in-house for that extra layer of durability and protection.
On top of that, we offer some of the best warranties in the industry, so you can feel confident it’s made to last.
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Will this make the process more complicated or take longer?
Quite the opposite—our in-house setup means fewer moving parts, quicker turnarounds, and a smoother experience from start to finish. We’re known for our efficiency and agility.
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How do you ensure quality while staying sustainable?
By investing in the latest technology, refining our processes, and controlling everything in-house, we can deliver consistent, high-quality wraps while continuously improving how we work.
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How do you manage waste and materials?
We proactively manage waste by planning and designing jobs to reduce excess material. Separating waste streams, and improving how much we can reuse or recycle—just generally finding smarter ways to work.
We’re proud to be a British manufacturer and be one of the few in the industry to offer a waste processing system that’s genuinely fully recyclable.
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Are you really sustainable?
We understand there’s a lot of noise around sustainability, so we focus on doing the work rather than just talking about it. We’re working towards our SBTi targets, monitoring progress yearly, and constantly looking for more sustainable ways to operate wherever possible.
Looking Forward
Our work to be sustainable continues. This isn’t just a box ticking exercise for us; sustainability has naturally become a factor in every single decision we make and we’re keen to help drive change across our industry too. We’re currently working hard to help find sustainable solutions to industry-wide problems and to lead positive change – read more about the sustainable waste processing we’ve introduced.
This is just the beginning.
