



In 2020 we signed up for three different Carbon Capture programmes that covered all of the papers we use for wrapping paper, greeting cards, school books, leaflets, flyers, posters and all but a handful of products that use special papers.
In 2020 we did pretty well, especially considering that the world had shut down for Covid. But in 2021 we really got digging and notched up an incredible 267 trees planted, UK woodland replanting and tropical rainforest protection. So, a big thank you to all of our customers who kept placing orders and coming back for more, because without you we would not have bought the paper or printed the products and the world would be a little less green.
We’re continuing to add to our growing range of light packaging products and happy to introduce our new Greeting Card Boxes. Specifically designed to hold 8 – 10 sets of cards and matching envelopes in A6, and Square 148 x 148 & 120 x 120mm.
These boxes are digitally printed on Carbon Capture Recycled, Kraft or eco-packaging folding box board. All the papers print brilliantly well with high colour reproduction thanks to our digital print capabilities – which also means that the unique ALP Multiple Sorts option is available for these products.
Printed single or double sided the boxes are cleverly designed to slot together, saving on the cost of adding a glue seam. Simply crease, fold and tuck and you have a box that is sturdy and protective.
It’s well known withing the hallowed halls of Chez ALP that I simply cannot throw anything out – especially if I think I can do something with the odds and sods that would normally go for recycling. A good case in point is the trimming from the sheets of RecyCup paper which has a wonderful texture and high white colour. Combine this with trim from our kraft products and you have all the makings of an undersize A6 notepad.
Step 2 is enlist the help of our design studio to come up with some clever covers, borrow one of the presses for short while to print the covers, cajole the finishing department in to guillotining, creasing and gluing and there you have it – one notepad made entirely from paper destined to be recycled.
So, what to say about 2020. The less the better in my opinion. I think we would all like to put the year that never was behind us and look towards 2021 with some positivity. But of course, there are always some high points to acknowledge and I make no apology for my cheesy first ‘high’ of the year which is a joint award – to our wonderful customers and simply stunning staff. Quite frankly, both went above and beyond this year and my eternal thanks does not really do justice.
For those of us old enough to remember, a hand operated Singer sewing machine was generally employed to fashion school uniforms, soft furnishings and various other items of clothing that would probably make your hair curl.
These days however the Singer sewing machine is enjoying a new and alternative lease of life in print finishing. Yes, the Singer Sewn Notebook has finally arrived.
Well it’s that time again. With another year behind us it’s time for our Product Review of 2019. Fair to say this year we have had a stand-out winner in terms of popularity and somewhat of a surprise! In 2019 we added a further 20 products to our website, some based on customer enquiries and some based on a hunch. Yup, that’s how technical we are at Team Alp!
Since mid-2019 we have been developing our range of large format products, with an eye to keeping them as eco-friendly as possible. And to that end this year we have designed, produced and installed our first eco-friendly large format Christmas trees for Specialized Cycles.
Up the ante of your presentation folder by dipping into some of the tactile and textures boards that are currently available. If you are brave enough to stick with a single colour design the feel of a linen or felt board will last long in your customers mind and enhance your image through a less is more approach. Often a simple image is the one that is retained the longest, and making the material integral to your folder will leave an enduring image.
As an inexpensive marketing tool for businesses of every size leaflet printing is an ideal entry point. From beauty parlours to poodle parlours and takeaways to tyres you can produce a leaflet focussed on your business and the services that you offer.
Before you rush in to the specifics of the design, colours and content take a moment to identify and understand how to reach your target audience efficiently and effectively.
First up it must be noted that the plastic business card boxes we use are recyclable and made from reusable polypropylene. Secondly, the reason we use plastic business card boxes and not cardboard ones is because it is the only way we can guarantee the integrity of the contents. Cardboard boxes are just not up the handling they get either in the mail system or in the (sometimes not very careful!) hands of the couriers. So you have a small, sturdy plastic box left over. What can you do with it? We’ve come up with a few different uses that may give a new life to your old box.