The BPIF is asking all parliamentary election candidates to sign its ‘Pledge for Print’ in the run up to the general election. The pledge - which challenges candidates to consider whether they could fight an election campaign without printed products - includes myth-busting facts about the effectiveness and sustainability of print. The intention is to persuade candidates to commit to backing the industry if elected as an MP.
Upon signing the pledge, candidates agree to encourage the government to take action on supporting the productivity, profitability and promotion of print. They are also asked to visit printers in their constituencies, to discuss the unique challenges they face and how government can help.
Facts used to educate candidates about print include how ”the pulp, paper and print sector is one of the lowest industrial greenhouse gas emitters [1%]” and that ”84% of people believe that they understand and can retain or use information much better when they read print on paper.”
Following the election, the BPIF plans to contact those who signed and subsequently won their seats, asking them to join the All-Party Parliamentary Print Group. They will also be asked to attend the BPIF annual Parliamentary reception, where the BPIF’s ‘Priorities for Print 2017-2019’ document will be launched to the new parliament - explaining exactly what MPs can do to support the printing industry.
BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold said: “While the general election was unanticipated, the printing industry is used to turning challenges into opportunities. The pledge is our chance to lobby parliament into supporting an industry that adds relatively more value to the economy than any other manufacturing sector.
“As most printing companies are small and medium sized businesses, even one small policy change can mean the difference between a company that’s merely surviving, and one that’s thriving - so we’ll be watching this space very closely.”