Our environmental impact
We are more than conscious of the impact our company activities have on the environment and everyday surroundings, and we take our responsibility in this very seriously. Wilco acts as the clean, eco-friendly printing house. As a pioneer in the field of environmentally-friendly production, our goal is to minimise our carbon footprint and thus contribute in the slowing down of further climate change. We focus on the use of sustainable raw materials and natural resources from generating our own solar energy. Our printed matter is produced in a carbon-neutral manner; the total CO2 emissions in scope 1, 2 and 3 of 1,686 tons is compensated with VCS credits in the Thangarabalu Small Hydel Project in India. We are ambitious in this area and want our scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions to be reduced by 40% in 2027 to 711 tons compared to 1,185 tons in 2021.
Our ISO 14001 certification for our environmental management system dates from the late 1990s – more than a quarter of a century ago.
Raw materials
There can be no timber if it weren’t for wooded areas; no paper if it weren’t for wood and no books if it weren’t for paper!
Wood is our primaeval raw material, which we deal with responsibly. Wood-containing products such as paper and cardboard derived from responsibly managed forests are an inexhaustible raw material. They are inherently circular materials and parts of the biological cycle, provided that timber extraction is done responsibly. And this is necessary because deforestation is one of the main causes of climate change and loss of biodiversity. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that stopping deforestation and restoring ecosystems are effective measures for reducing CO2 emissions. Wilco supports sustainable forest management and responsible timber extraction by choosing Chain of Custody certification according to FSC®, Forest Stewardship Council, and PEFC, the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification. Both accreditations share the same mission: a focus on 100% sustainable forest management. By choosing certified paper and cardboard, forests can be properly managed and remain healthy. It is also a tool against deforestation, because certified forests are not permitted to be converted into soy or palm oil plantations, or end up as cattle breeding or mining areas. In 2024, we deployed 99.13% FSC® and PEFC-certified material. Remaining 0.87% non-certified material concerned the use of existing stocks. We continue our policy to purchase 100%-certified paper and cardboard by 2024.
Gecertificeerd papier:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % FSC / PEFC paper | 99,1 | 97,1* | 97,0 | 97,4 |
*) Corrected compared to the 2023 CSR Annual Report.
Cradle-to-Cradle goes one step further in the concept of a circular economy, where waste is used as a raw material for new products, and in which people and the environment are protected. We use Cradle-to-Cradle paper (novel book printing) from Arctic Paper Munkedals AB for the literary market. This is the world’s first factory to successfully achieve the Cradle-to-Cradle-Certified® Bronze certification for an entire paper range.
Using certified paper is good; but using less paper is even better. In 2024, 67.1% of each ton of paper was effectively used; 32.9% was lost as production waste. In 2022, paper waste (loss) was at a record level due to problems in paper deliveries. At times, this forced us to purchase unfavourable, larger paper sizes – mostly in stock – to continue to meet our customers’ demands. This stock was finished in 2023, so that year’s paper waste is also higher than previously in 2021.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| production waste (tons) | 7.774 | 6.760 | 8.286 | 7.652 |
| % paper waste | 32,9 | 28,8 | 36,8* | 22,9 |
Energy
Fossil fuels are finite and release CO2 emissions when combusted, making the energy transition to energy from renewable sources inevitable and necessary. Since 2021, we have been using 100% green electricity. In 2024, 9.780 MWh of purchased grey electricity was made more sustainable through Guarantees of Origin for European wind power. In April 2024, 3,080 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Clean Climate Neutral Printing House, generating 981 MWh of solar power. We are also considering the installation of solar panels on the roof of our new bindery.
We are committed to improving the energy-efficiency of our operations. In 2022, this ultimately culminated in ‘the Clean Climate-Neutral Printing House’, a gas-free premises. Both buildings in Amersfoort are equipped
| Energie | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| purchased electricity (kWh) | 9.779.458 | 10.573.182 | 10.795.616 | 11.408.692 |
| generated solar power (kWh) | 981.176 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| power fed back into the network (kWh) | 609 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| consumed electricity (kWh) | 10.760.025 | 10.573.182 | 10.795.616 | 11.408.692 |
| kWh/tons of paper | 455 | 450 | 479* | 342 |
| natural gas (m³) | 153.308 | 180.558 | 206.928 | 337.245 |
| natural gas (m³) / m³ cubic content of the building | 0,514 | 0,605 | 0,867 | 2,16 |
with a geothermal energy system for cooling and heating. Natural gas is used to heat our locations in Amersfoort (Vanadiumweg 9) and Zutphen only. In 2024, natural gas consumption in Amersfoort was reduced by over 21% compared to 2023. The designated use of this building has changed, as a result of which the offices no longer require any heating. Recently a new installation for heating and cooling was installed in the building in Zutphen, which adds to the decrease of natural gas consumption.
Water
The process of offset printing requires water. In the computer-to-plate (CtP) manufacturing of printing plates, aluminium offset printing plates are developed and rinsed after exposure. Plate chemicals and rinse water are responsibly discharged into the sewer system using Metafix® pH control. Since 2022, a low chemistry CtP process has been used in Amersfoort, where developing and rinsing the offset printing plate is no longer required, resulting in less (waste) water. Our printing presses are operated using wet rolls that moisten the printing plate to prevent non-printing parts from absorbing ink and transferring it to the paper. Slightly contaminated dampening water can be discharged to the sewer system according to applicable regulations.
Water usage as of 31 december:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| drinking water (m³) | 10.405 | 9.611 | 11.742 | 16.519 |
| litres of water/m² plate | 19,9 | 16,0 | 21,0 | 26,2 |
| litres of water/tons of pape | 440 | 409 | 521 | 495 |
VOC emissions
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and solvent-based detergents are common within printing businesses for achieving consistent and high-quality printing. The use of VOCs, however, has adverse effects in the long or longer term and may cause health issues such as Organic Psycho Syndrome (OPS) – also known as painter’s disease – involving (very) severe symptoms such as chronic fatigue, character changes, memory loss and early onset dementia. In addition, VOC emissions in the atmosphere cause severe greenhouse effects, including the formation of ground-level ozone, which results in smog. So: the less VOC we use, the better it is for people and the planet.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kg IPA | 3.014 | 2.779 | 3.501 | 9.082 |
| kg IPA/tons of paper | 0,127 | 0,118 | 0,155* | 0,272 |
| litres of detergent/tons of paper | 1,076 | 0,955 | 0,526* | 0,832 |
| % K3+K4 detergent | 96,0 | 95,0 | 92,7 | 97,1 |
Our machinery for conventional offset printing consists entirely of Heidelberg XL plano printing presses that in essence print IPA-free. This also applies to the Timson rotary printing presses. Our LED UV printing press is the only press used for IPA-reduced printing to provide high-quality printing for art, museum and photography books, etc. As of 2022, only one UV LED printing press is left in operation, resulting in less IPA. As a result, for many years Wilco’s IPA consumption per ton of paper has been significantly lower than the industry average of the larger offset printing businesses: 0.127 kg in 2024 versus 1.72 kg of IPA per ton of paper.
Waste
A linear economy implies production, consumption and, after use, disposal. A circular economy, however, is free from waste; products are reused as raw materials. Our main raw material – paper – is highly suitable for a circular economy, because paper is recyclable up to 25 times. Old paper is not waste, but instead raw material for new paper. The Netherlands are number one when it comes to paper recycling: almost 2,500,000 tons – 89% of all of the paper and cardboard used – is collected and reused. 35% of it comes from private households and 65% from companies. 87% of new paper produced in the Netherlands is recycled material (source: www.papierenkarton.nl/). We naturally make all of our paper and cardboard production waste available for recycling. A total of 98% of our waste is for reuse or recycling. In addition to paper and cardboard, they comprise waste streams of plastic, aluminium offset printing plates, metals, waste wood and wooden pallets.
Metal recycling is another perfect component for a circular economy. The production of new metals starts with digging metal ores and converting it into the pure metal form using metallurgy. Metal ores are scarce raw materials and metallurgy is an energy-intensive industry. Metal recycling generates secondary raw materials by melting metals in blast furnaces and supplying them as new semi-finished products to the manufacturing industry. In 2024, Wilco disposed of a total of 262,769 kg of metals and 260,138 kg of aluminium offset printing plates through recycling (melting). This has had an impact of 299 tons of CO2 emissions. Using them as a secondary raw material instead of virgin prevents 6,077 tons of CO2 emissions. Theoretically, this is a net saving of 5,779 tons of CO2 emissions compared to primary mining, and equivalent to the CO2 uptake of 275,184 mature trees (source: Recycling en recovery overzicht 2024, Korlaar Soest).
Ultimately, 1,000 kg printed matter generates just 3.4 kg of hazardous waste. Hazardous or chemical waste contains substances that may endanger human and animal health, the environment and its ecosystems. Incinerating chemical waste creates air pollution and may enter groundwater via precipitation. The collection and disposal of chemical waste is therefore strictly regulated. As a result, some of the raw materials from chemical waste are reused. Chemical waste that cannot be reused or recycled is incinerated in special incinerators with special flue gas scrubbers or safely stored. Important reasons why chemical waste should not be submitted for processing along with other waste streams. 99% of our waste is disposed of in separate streams for processing; only 1% is unsorted combustible residual waste.
Waste:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| total of industrial waste (tons) | 8.405 | 7.377 | 8.939 | 8.376 |
| recyclable waste (tons) | 8.239 | 7.475 | 8.811 | 8.203 |
| % recyclable waste | 98,0 | 98,1 | 98,1 | 98,0 |
| of which paper and cardboard (tons) | 7.774 | 6.760 | 8.286 | 7.652 |
| of which paper and cardboard (%) | 92,3 | 91,6 | 92,7 | 91,3 |
| hazardous waste (tons) | 80,4 | 70,6 | 80,4 | 78,4 |
| % hazardous waste | 0,96 | 0,95 | 0,89 | 0,94 |
| hazardous waste (kg) / tons of paper | 3,4 | 3,0 | 3,6* | 2,4 |
Reusing and recycling is good, but it is even better to not generate waste at all. Since 2022, a low chemistry process for computer-to-plate manufacturing of printing plates (80%) has been in operation in Amersfoort.
No chemical waste is generated in this process, because no plate chemistry is used. Zutphen does use plate chemistry for the manufacturing of printing plates (20%). The chemical waste involved is neutralised by the application of Metafix® pH control, so that it can be discharged responsibly into the sewage system.
Freight transport
We make increasing use of our own fleet for freight transport, which results in 336 tons of CO2 emissions. 20% of our carbon footprint is thus determined by the CO2 emissions of fossil fuels for freight transport. Using clean – or cleaner – vehicles and sustainable fuels has our undivided and continuing attention, not in the least because a large number of municipalities have committed themselves to the Green Deal Zero Emission City logistics and the fact that the 28 June 2019 climate agreement states a clear objective: in 2025 a zero emission zone will be introduced in the city centres of thirty to forty of the largest municipalities. The use of AdBlue effectively converts noxious NOx emissions into non-noxious gaseous nitrogen and water vapour. To this end, three years ago we started using a 100% electric delivery van for parcel shipments in the Randstad area. However, a cleaner future with cleaner fuel requires more. We have joined the HYVIA consortium to commit ourselves to driving on green hydrogen. Due to a bankruptcy, unfortunately the delivery of our very first delivery van on green hydrogen was cancelled. In 2025, a second 100% electric delivery van will be ordered as an alternative.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| litres of diesel | 100.781 | 113.329 | 92.247 | 112.403 |
| litres of diesel/tons of paper | 4,36 | 4,82 | 4,09 | 3,37 |
Business traffic
Almost all of our fleet falls into emission class 6 or Z(ero). As a result, 10% of our carbon footprint is determined by the CO2 emissions (169 tons) of fossil fuels for business traffic. Our focus is on eventually driving 100% electric by offering electric vehicles only after replacement. As per 2027, fines will be imposed when using fossil fuels for business traffic. To encourage electric driving among employees and visitors, we have installed 12 EV charging stations at our facilities.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| litres of fuel consumption | 57.518 | 53.612 | 52.836 | 36.439 |
| of which diesel (litres) | 15.768 | 16.681 | 19.348 | 18.437 |
| of which diesel (%) | 27,4 | 31,1 | 36,6 | 50,6 |
Commuter traffic
48% of our carbon footprint is determined by the CO2 emissions (810 tons) of fossil fuels for commuter traffic. We are working on a private bicycle scheme to be introduced in 2025 as an incentive for employees to cycle more and drive their car less. Computer and Internet technology makes it possible for non-production staff to work remotely from home or at one of our locations nearer to home. Travelling by public transport is certainly an option for Amersfoort. A bicycle will be made available for staff to use for getting to and from the station. Shift work interferes with carpooling.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| number of staff | 504 | 479 | 515 | 491 |
| number of kms per year/employee | 9.486 | 10.364 | 9.131 | 9.026 |
| bicycle (%) | 5,6 | 5,3 | 5,9 | 5,7 |
| public transport (%) | 6,6 | 7,6 | 8,2 | 9,6 |
| private car (%) | 87,8 | 87,1 | 85,9 | 84,7 |
Carbon footprint and CO2 compensation
Wilco has used the Milieubarometer ©Stichting Stimular to calculate its total 2024 carbon footprint. The CO2 emission factors applied were determined on the initiative of Milieu Centraal, Stimular, SKAO Connekt and the Dutch government. Based on the most recent insights, they are updated every year by a broad panel of experts. The CO2 emission factors are in line with the requirements of the CO2 Performance Ladder and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions scope 1 (tons) | 856 | 925 | 917 | 1.185 |
| of which natural gas | 327 | 375 | 431 | 635 |
| of which emissions | 24 | 22 | 28 | 73 |
| of which business traffic | 169 | 159 | 156 | 110 |
| of which freight transport | 336 | 369 | 302 | 367 |
| CO2 emissions (tons) scope 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CO2 emissions (tons) scope 3 | 830 | 916 | 744 | 754 |
| of which drinking water | 3,1 | 2,9 | 3,5 | 4,9 |
| of which waste water | 10,4 | 6,8 | 9,6 | 10,8 |
| of which commuter traffic | 816 | 906 | 731 | 738 |
| CO2 emissions (tons) total | 1.686 | 1.841 | 1.661 | 1.939 |
| CO2 compensation (tons) | -1.686 | -1.841 | -1.633 | -1.578 |
| net CO2 emissions (tons) | 0 | 0 | -3 | 361 |
Our CO2 emissions in 2024 were 1,686 tons. In that year, 9,780 MWh of grey electricity was made more sustainable through Guarantees of Origin for European wind power. Because Wilco is not (yet) required to comply with the CO2 Performance Ladder, its CO2 emission factor is set equal to 0; or in other words, no CO2 emissions from purchased electricity apply (scope 2). With a gas-free Clean Climate Neutral Printing House combined with optimum energy savings, CO2 emissions from using natural gas for heating are now at the lowest level ever. A further decrease of our carbon footprint is considered feasible with the new development of a sustainable and gas-free bindery in Amersfoort and a new installation for heating and cooling in Zutphen. The continued electrification of our fleet for freight and business traffic will also have a positive impact.
Since 2018, we have been compensating our remaining CO2 emission with VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) credits in the Thangarabalu Small Hydel Project in India. Compensation for CO2 involves investing in certified projects that reduce, remove or prevent CO2 emissions. The reductions in emissions the project has achieved would not have been possible without the implementation of the project. Only sustainable energy(-efficiency) projects which bring long-term benefits to the country and the climate qualify as Verified Carbon Standard credits. These CO2 compensation projects contribute to no fewer than three Sustainable Development Goals.
Compliance with laws and regulations and unusual events
Compliance with (European) legislation relating to energy, the environment and living conditions is the norm for us. We focus on an open and transparent relationship with the competent authorities. On 22 and 23 July 2024, the RUD Utrecht conducted an enforcement inspection. No violations were observed. On 3 and 4 September, the RUD Utrecht also conducted an administrative audit in relation to the open soil energy system; no violations were established here either.
We have submitted a plan of action to ensure that on 1 January 2035 at the latest the open soil energy system at the Vanadiumweg 2 will function within the limits permitted for energy balance. The RUD Utrecht has agreed to this.
In 2024, no unusual events or out-of-containment incidents occurred with a risk of soil pollution, surface water pollution or air pollution. No complaints from interested parties and local residents were received in relation to nuisance and the immediate locality.
From the 2024 annual report of Forest Stewardship Council® Nederland, it follows that 162,046,390 hectares of wooded areas worldwide are certified. This is over 2 million hectares and a little under 1.5% more than in 2023, but over 34 million hectares less compared to 2022. According to FSC, in 2023 certification of wooded areas was under pressure. ‘Caused by the unworkable situation in Russia.
In addition, the Polish Forestry Commission decided to not extend certification. On the other hand, a new FSC certificate holder Grumcam (Cameroon) emerged with 353,388 hectares, thus doubling the total of FSC-certified forest area in the country.’ The good news does not stop here: since February 2024, the Polish Forestry Commission has every intention to reinstate FSC certification and 100% of public wooded areas in Taiwan – nearly 1.6 million hectares and 70% of wooded areas in the country – have been FSC-certified since late 2024. The FSC intends to have 300 million hectares of FSC-certified area by 2026, 50 million hectares of which are natural tropical forests and areas managed by small-scale farmers. In 2025, 20% or 200,000 hectares of Dutch wooded areas must be FSC-certified, which is 35,546 hectares (over 2%) more than in 2023. The 2024 annual report of PEFC has not been published yet, but as of December 2024, 297,216,555 hectares of wooded area is PEFC-certified. The total surface of certified area is comparable to 109 times the surface of the Netherlands.
Thangarabalu Small Hydel Project
In India, the energy demand is rising sharply due to population growth and increased prosperity. To prevent this energy demand from causing further climate change, steps must be taken to make the sustainable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
The Thangarabalu Small Hydel Project is a run-of-river 24.75 MW hydro-electric power project across the Krishna River about 13 km downstream from the Narayanpur Dam in Karnataka. Every year, this replaces 65 million kWh of fossil fuel-based electricity, reducing CO2 emissions by ± 54,000 tons per year.
In addition, this project has a social impact on the local community.
- The local population has been involved in the development of this hydro-electric power station from the very start of the project.
- The project has provided employment both during construction and maintenance of the hydro-electric power station for skilled and non-skilled workers.
- The region’s energy shortage is supplemented by the hydro-electric power station.
- Laying water pipes and constructing water pumps make clean (potable) water readily available for local people.
- The project will provide improved regional infrastructure as well as improved and expanded educational and medical facilities.