Environmental Social and Governance Policy

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy

Contrado Imaging Ltd | Company No. 04666562
Registered Office: Office 015, 30 Great Guildford Street, Borough, London, SE1 0HS
Trading Address: Unit 6, Space Business Park, Abbey Road, Park Royal, London, NW10 7SU
Version 3.0 | April 2026
Approved by: Chris Childs, Managing Director

1. Introduction and Commitment

Contrado Imaging Ltd is a custom print-on-demand manufacturer founded in London in 2002. We design, print, and produce thousands of unique products — from fashion and fabrics to homewares and accessories — entirely in-house at our Park Royal factory. Every item we make is created to order for a specific customer. Nothing is made speculatively. Nothing sits in a warehouse waiting to be sold or discarded.

That founding principle — make only what is needed, when it is needed — is not a recent sustainability initiative. It is the original business model, and it makes us structurally different from almost every other manufacturer in our sector. It is, we believe, the most important sustainability position a manufacturer can hold.

This policy sets out our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments for 2026 and beyond. It replaces v2.3 (July 2023) and reflects significant development in our thinking, our operations, and our ambition. It is honest about what we do well and transparent about where we are still improving.

This policy applies to all Contrado Imaging Ltd employees, contractors, and business activities across our London operations and our engineering team in Ahmedabad, India.

2. The Print-on-Demand Sustainability Model

This is our most significant contribution to sustainable manufacturing — and we make no apology for leading with it.

The global fashion and textiles industry is one of the most wasteful on earth. By widely-cited industry estimates, the fashion sector overproduces by approximately 30–40% annually — generating an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year. Unsold garments and products are routinely incinerated, landfilled, or shipped overseas as unwanted surplus. This overproduction is not a side effect of traditional manufacturing — it is baked into the model. Brands forecast demand, manufacture in bulk, and accept waste as a cost of doing business.

Contrado operates on an entirely different principle.

2.1 Zero Overproduction

Every product Contrado makes is triggered by a confirmed customer order. We do not manufacture speculatively, hold finished-goods inventory, or produce seasonal ranges that may or may not sell. If no one orders it, we do not make it. This single structural fact eliminates the primary source of waste in our industry.

2.2 No Deadstock, No Landfill Waste from Unsold Inventory

Contrado has no deadstock. We have no end-of-season clearances, no unsold pallets, no surplus products bound for landfill or incineration. The concept simply does not apply to our model. This is a permanent, structural advantage — not a target we are working toward, but a daily operational reality since our founding.

2.3 Made-to-Order as Circular Economy Practice

The circular economy principle of producing only what is needed, matching supply precisely to demand, is the foundational logic of print-on-demand. Our customers receive a product made specifically for them. There is no excess. This is circular economy thinking applied at the point of production, at scale, every single day.

2.4 In-House Production: Full Control, Full Accountability

All Contrado production takes place in our own factory at Park Royal, London. We do not outsource manufacturing to third-party suppliers we cannot monitor. This means we have direct, real-time control over every environmental variable in our production process — energy use, water consumption, chemical handling, waste generation, and working conditions. Vertical integration is not just a commercial advantage; it is an environmental and social one.

2.5 Digital Printing: A Cleaner Technology

We use digital printing processes across our product range. Compared to traditional screen and rotary textile printing, digital printing uses significantly less water (no screen preparation, no dye baths at scale), produces less chemical waste, and enables precise ink deposition with minimal excess. The environmental benefits of digital over conventional textile printing are well established, and they compound across our entire production volume.

2.6 Local Manufacturing: Shorter Supply Chains

Manufacturing in London means that for our UK and European customers — the majority of our order base — finished products travel a fraction of the distance they would from factories in Asia. Shorter supply chains mean lower transport emissions per order and greater supply chain resilience. We are proud to be a British manufacturer in an era when onshoring production is increasingly recognized as both an economic and environmental good.

3. Environmental Policy

3.1 Climate Commitment

Contrado is committed to understanding, measuring, and progressively reducing our contribution to climate change. We are working toward a net zero emissions target and are establishing the measurement baseline required to set a credible, science-aligned timeline.

Our near-term climate commitments are:

• Complete our first full Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon footprint assessment by December 2026, covering our Park Royal manufacturing facility and London offices.
• Begin Scope 3 assessment (supply chain, logistics, customer delivery) by mid-2027.
• Publish our carbon baseline and set a net zero target date no later than Q1 2027, informed by our measurement findings.
• Explore accredited carbon offsetting programmes for residual emissions we cannot eliminate while longer-term structural changes are implemented.

We recognise that our print-on-demand model already eliminates a significant category of embedded carbon — the carbon cost of manufacturing products that are never used. This is a genuine, structural emissions reduction that conventional manufacturers cannot claim.

3.2 Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Our Park Royal factory operates a range of energy-intensive equipment, including large-format digital printers, heat presses, cutting machines, and finishing equipment. Managing our energy consumption is a priority.

Current and planned energy actions:

• LED lighting: We have progressively converted factory and office lighting to LED technology, reducing lighting energy consumption. We are committed to completing full LED transition across all Contrado-occupied premises.
• Equipment efficiency: When replacing production equipment, energy efficiency is a formal evaluation criterion alongside capability and cost.
• Renewable energy procurement: We are actively evaluating switching our electricity supply to a verified renewable energy tariff (backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin, REGOs) as a near-term, high-impact step. Target: renewable electricity procurement in place by end of 2026.
• Energy monitoring: We will implement sub-metering of key production areas by end of 2026 to identify consumption hotspots and target reduction efforts.
• Operational efficiency: We will review equipment idle and standby practices across the factory floor and implement a site-wide power-down protocol for non-essential equipment outside production hours.

3.3 Water Usage

Water is a critical issue in textile manufacturing globally. Traditional textile dyeing and printing is among the most water-intensive industrial processes in existence, accounting for an estimated 20% of global industrial water pollution.

Contrado's digital printing processes require significantly less water than conventional textile printing methods. We do not operate large-scale dye baths, wet processing lines, or the water-intensive screen preparation processes associated with traditional fabric printing. This is a structural water efficiency advantage inherent to our production technology.

Our water commitments:

• Establish a water usage baseline for our Park Royal facility by end of 2026.
• Identify and implement water reduction measures in production processes, including ink system maintenance to minimize rinse water volumes.
• Monitor and report water consumption annually from 2027 onward.
• Ensure all wastewater from production processes is disposed of in full compliance with applicable environmental regulations and trade effluent consents.

3.4 Waste Management

In-house production means we generate and are responsible for our own manufacturing waste. We take this responsibility seriously.

Production waste categories we manage:

• Fabric offcuts: Cutting processes generate fabric offcuts. We are committed to minimising offcut volumes through optimized nesting and cutting patterns, and to identifying routes for offcut reuse, repurposing, or responsible recycling rather than landfill disposal.
• Print waste: Test prints, color calibration runs, and production rejects generate printed waste material. We are working to minimize test print volumes through better color management systems and to route unavoidable waste paper and fabric to appropriate recycling streams.
• Ink and chemical waste: Ink residues, cleaning solvents, and chemical containers are classified, stored, and disposed of as controlled waste in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Hazardous Waste Regulations, and relevant Environment Agency guidance. We work with licensed waste contractors for all hazardous material disposal.
• Packaging waste: See Section 3.5.
• General operational waste: We target continuous improvement in general waste reduction and maintain separate collection streams for recycling where practicable.

We are committed to achieving a measurable reduction in waste-to-landfill volumes and will establish a formal waste tracking and reporting process by end of 2026.

3.5 Packaging Policy

Packaging is one of the most visible aspects of our environmental footprint from a customer perspective, and one where we have the most direct control.

Our packaging principles:

• Paper-first: Where protective function allows, we default to paper-based packaging materials over plastic. Paper is more readily recyclable in standard household and business waste streams and aligns with consumer expectations for sustainable packaging.
• Right-sized packaging: We use packaging sized appropriately for each product, minimising void fill, reducing material consumption, and reducing shipping weight and dimensional weight charges. Oversized packaging is waste — of material, of space, and of transport capacity.
• Compostable materials testing: We are actively testing compostable packaging materials as alternatives to conventional plastics in our product protection and dispatch processes. We will transition to certified compostable alternatives wherever performance and supply reliability allow.
• Plastic reduction: We are committed to progressively eliminating single-use plastics from our packaging. Where plastic is currently necessary for product protection (e.g. moisture barriers for fabric shipments), we are evaluating compostable and recycled-content alternatives.
• Recycled content: We prioritize packaging materials with recycled content and will establish minimum recycled-content requirements for our core packaging materials by end of 2026.
• End-of-life guidance: Our packaging will carry clear recycling and disposal instructions for recipients, including correct bin guidance, recycling symbols, and messaging reinforcing our commitment to ending single-use plastics.
• Gift packaging: We offer optional gift packaging for customers who wish to add a premium presentation to their order. Gift packaging options will also meet our sustainability principles — using recyclable, compostable, or reusable materials.
• Supplier engagement: Our purchase orders specify sustainable packaging requirements for inbound deliveries to our factory. We actively work with suppliers to reduce packaging waste in our inbound supply chain.
• Life cycle assessment: We will conduct periodic life cycle assessments of our core packaging materials to inform improvement decisions and set measurable reduction targets.

Packaging targets:

• 100% of Contrado-designed packaging to be recyclable, compostable, or reusable by end of 2027.
• Eliminate all non-essential single-use plastic from outbound packaging by end of 2026.
• Establish minimum recycled-content standards for all core packaging materials by Q2 2026.

3.6 Materials Sourcing

We are committed to responsible sourcing of the raw materials we use in production:

• Inks: We use water-based and eco-solvent inks wherever technically appropriate. We continuously evaluate ink formulations for reduced environmental impact, including lower VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions and improved biodegradability.
• Fabrics and substrates: We are expanding our range of sustainably sourced fabrics, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and certified materials. Product pages will increasingly specify fabric composition and sustainability credentials.
• Chemical management: We comply with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations for all chemical substances used in our production processes. We are working toward OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification for our core textile products, which would confirm that our printed fabrics are free from harmful substances.

3.7 Transport and Logistics

Delivery of finished products to customers worldwide generates transport emissions. Our commitments:

• Work with logistics partners who demonstrate commitment to fleet decarbonisation and emissions reduction.
• Optimise packaging dimensions and weight to reduce per-shipment transport impact.
• Consolidate shipments where operationally possible without impacting delivery commitments.
• Evaluate the feasibility of carbon-neutral shipping options for customers.
• Include transport emissions in our Scope 3 carbon assessment (target: mid-2027).

4. Social Responsibility

4.1 Employee Wellbeing and Development

Our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to:

• Providing a safe, supportive, and healthy working environment for all employees across our London factory, offices, and our engineering team in Ahmedabad.
• Investing in training and professional development to help our employees grow their skills and advance their careers.
• Supporting employee wellbeing through appropriate working conditions, reasonable working hours, and access to support where needed.
• Conducting regular employee engagement to understand and respond to workforce needs and concerns.

4.2 Health and Safety

Operating a manufacturing facility requires rigorous attention to health and safety. We are committed to:

• Full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and all applicable workplace safety legislation.
• Regular risk assessments of all production areas, equipment, and processes.
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring its use.
• Maintaining fire safety systems, first aid provision, and emergency procedures.
• Regular health and safety training for all factory and warehouse staff.
• Investigating all workplace incidents and near-misses and implementing corrective actions.

4.3 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic. We will:

• Promote equal opportunities in recruitment, development, and promotion.
• Foster an inclusive culture through awareness, training, and leadership commitment.
• Monitor workforce diversity and take action where representation gaps are identified.

4.4 Fair Pay and Living Wage

We are committed to paying all employees fairly and in compliance with all applicable minimum wage and employment legislation. We pay at or above the National Living Wage for all UK-based employees and ensure that our Ahmedabad-based team are compensated competitively within their local market. We review pay regularly and are committed to fair, transparent compensation practices.

4.5 Modern Slavery and Supply Chain Labour Standards

Contrado Imaging Ltd is opposed to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. We are committed to:

• Ensuring that modern slavery does not occur within our own operations or supply chains.
• Conducting due diligence on our supply chain to assess and address risks of modern slavery.
• Publishing a Modern Slavery Statement in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (where applicable based on turnover thresholds).
• Requiring our suppliers to uphold equivalent labour standards and reserving the right to terminate relationships with suppliers who fail to meet these expectations.

4.6 Community Engagement

As a London-based manufacturer operating in Park Royal, we recognise our role in the local community. We are committed to:

• Being a responsible neighbor — managing noise, traffic, and environmental impact from our operations.
• Supporting local employment and economic activity.
• Exploring partnerships with local educational institutions for work experience, apprenticeships, and skills development.
• Contributing to community initiatives where we can make a meaningful impact.

4.7 Customer Data Protection

We take the protection of our customers' personal data seriously. Our data handling practices are set out in full in our Privacy & Cookies Policy, which complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Data protection inquiries can be directed to dataprotection@contrado.com.

5. Governance

5.1 Leadership Oversight

ESG performance is overseen by the Contrado Imaging Ltd leadership team, with ultimate responsibility held by the Managing Director. The leadership team is responsible for:

• Setting ESG strategy, priorities, and targets.
• Allocating resources for ESG initiatives.
• Monitoring progress against ESG commitments.
• Ensuring ESG considerations are integrated into business decision-making.

5.2 Ethics and Anti-Corruption

We conduct our business with integrity, transparency, and accountability. We do not tolerate bribery, corruption, or unethical business practices in any form. All employees and business partners are expected to act ethically and in compliance with the Bribery Act 2010 and all applicable anti-corruption legislation.

5.3 Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees and stakeholders to report concerns about unethical conduct, environmental harm, health and safety risks, or any other matter covered by this policy. Reports can be made confidentially without fear of retaliation. We are committed to investigating all reports promptly and taking appropriate action.

5.4 Risk Management

ESG-related risks and opportunities are identified, assessed, and managed as part of our broader business risk management processes. This includes climate-related risks (physical and transitional), supply chain risks, regulatory risks, and reputational risks associated with environmental and social performance.

5.5 Stakeholder Engagement

We value dialogue with our stakeholders — including employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities where we operate. We are committed to transparent communication about our ESG performance and welcome feedback on our policies and practices.

5.6 Reporting and Transparency

We are committed to providing honest, transparent reporting on our ESG performance. As we establish measurement baselines during 2026, we will publish our key environmental metrics and progress against targets. We do not make claims we cannot substantiate.

6. Targets and Timeline Summary

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Contrado Imaging Ltd leadership team and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practices, our operational circumstances, and the evolving expectations of our stakeholders.

Significant revisions will be communicated to employees and published on our websites.

Version 3.0 | April 2026
Approved by: Chris Childs, Managing Director, Contrado Imaging Ltd

Previous version: v2.3, July 2023

V.2.300000003 13/Apr/2026