Stacey and Kendall Cox bought the Zip Print business in 2017 with absolutely zero experience in printing or graphic design. In fact, they could barely send an email or format a Word document. What they did have was an unwavering determination to turn Zip Print into a thriving sustainable business.
“Knowing we had practical help from ecoBiz on tap was invaluable.”
The Maryborough-based business joined ecoBiz in 2021. While Stacey and Kendall were always committed to being eco-friendly, they were even more inspired when they realised they were not alone. Knowing we had practical help from ecoBiz on tap was invaluable. Kendall explains, “Sometimes we’re struggling with a sustainability issue and our ecoBiz coach will offer a solution we would never have thought of. How good is that?”
Zip Print have total faith in the ecoBiz program. When the July 2023 ecoBiz coaching report made the following suggestions, they implemented them all.
- Changed to Ergon Energy. Solar generation is now being recognised in the power bill.
- Whirlybird installed in the roof.
- The entire metal roof was painted with heat reflecting paint. The result? The workshop has experienced a 10-degree drop in temperature during the day and the air conditioning is operating more efficiently
- Installed a new wide format HP Latex printer, significantly reducing waste.
“We wanted to be sustainability pioneers.”
The installation of a new Hewlett Packard printer was a significant step towards sustainability for Zip Print. They could have taken the easy, less expensive, short-term path. Kendall tells the story, “When we bought the wide format HP printer, we could have bought a cheap printer using toxic solvents. But we wanted to be pioneers in our area, which we are. Being water-based, this Hewlett Packard printer is a far more sustainable option. No-one else on the Fraser Coast has this environmentally friendly printer.”
Zip Print are sustainability stars
Zip Print’s across-the-board focus on sustainability has seen remarkable results.
- In 2023, the business reduced their energy intensity by 21% and achieved an ecoBiz Star Partnership for Energy.
- In 2023, the business reduced their waste intensity by 59% and achieved an ecoBiz Star Partnership for Waste.
- Zip Print fed 3,215 kWs of electricity back into the grid, earning them a valuable $299 solar credit.
Zip Print has come a long way since 2017. Their success is just another example of how in the modern business world, sustainability is an asset, not a cost. With support from ecoBiz, Zip Print is creating its own blueprint for a successful future.
