Sustainability
Sustainability
BlueSkies
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BLUESKIES.
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OUR ENVIRONMENT
Blue Star are your sustainable marketing partner with the credentials to prove it. From carbon-neutral options to waste reduction, we help you meet your environmental commitments without compromise.
We know addressing climate change is paramount for both our planet and business sustainability. We recognise the importance of this issue for our operations, and for our stakeholders' interests.
We continually cycle a number of initiatives and projects that promote environmental responsibility as technology progresses, across our organisation. As a result of this, we are excited to share that since 2021, we have achieved over 40% reductions in our emissions, and we are dedicated to maintaining this positive trajectory.
Today our ongoing investment in new and energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction initiatives continue to help Blue Star manage our impact on our local communities and environment. Every step is a testament to progress, innovation and our sustainability promise.
Our Journey to date
2006
Blue Star led transformative changes in how paper is responsibly sourced in New Zealand, effectively severing ties with several unsustainable paper mills overseas.
2007
We proudly became the first company in New Zealand to achieve FSC multi-site and PEFC Chain of Custody certifications.
2008
We pioneered the use of vegetable-based inks, establishing an innovative supply chain for the industry.
2011
We adopted a circular strategy aimed at creating a recycling process to repurpose some of our chemical waste. To this day, Blue Star remains the only business employing this advanced technology.
2018
Our transitional partnership with Toitū Envirocare began, embarking on further transformative changes to our operations and our impacts to our environment.
2021
Our engagement with Toitū Carbon Reduce programs, setting baselines and targets for the betterment of the planet.
2023
We engaged our customers in this journey by providing accuracy and confidence with verified carbon reports to ISO 14064-1:2018 standards and responsible sourcing reporting to drive change. Ensuring transparency and accountability for you and for us.
2024
All Blue Star Group sites across the country receive Toitū Enviromark Diamond certification - a fantastic achievement and another major step forward on our sustainability journey.
Today
Our ongoing investment in new and energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction initiatives continue to help Blue Star manage our impact on our local communities and environment. Every step is a testament to progress, innovation and our sustainability promise.
OUR PEOPLE
600+ people from 38 countries make Blue Star what it is. We invest in their growth through apprenticeships, Competenz partnerships, and leadership programmes - because great work comes from people who are supported, developed, and valued.
The proof is in our retention: over half stay five+ years, one in three for over a decade. Our team won Pride in Print's 2025 Training Company of the Year, having previously been awarded 2024 Apprentice of the Year and 2023 Trainer of the Year, plus finalist spots in NZ Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year. This recognition reflects our commitment to nurturing talent at every level.
Our People
Our manufacturing heritage has instilled a strong focus on health and safety across the business. We have robust training programmes, governance, and reporting in place to ensure that we provide a safe and well-functioning workplace for all staff.
Investment in our people is a critical part of our Blue Skies program. We encourage and support the further developing of skills and qualifications and sourcing talented graduates and apprentices.
We work with Competenz for ongoing development of our workforce and have invested heavily in sales and sales leadership programmes for our client facing staff. With the ongoing implementation of new technology and service offerings, we have a keen focus on the upskilling of our existing teams. The strength of our development and training programmes is reflected in the longevity of our staff – over half of our people have been with us for more than five years and one in three has worked for us for more than ten years.
EMPLOYEE-FOCUSED INITIATIVES INCLUDE
- Regular WorkSafe NZ audits for safety excellence
- Professional development and apprenticeship programmes
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing support
- EAP counselling services
- Community fundraising participation
OUR COMMUNITY
Our Blue Skies community involvement programme has a simple goal — to give back to the communities in which we live and work.
Whether that’s through supporting our local sporting teams, charities, schools or community organisations, we believe they are all equally important in keeping our local communities and our country thriving.
We have a proud history of supporting not-for-profit and community organisations across health, education, sports and the arts.
Organisations we support
- Paralympics New Zealand
- Auckland Medical Research Foundation
- Warriors Community Foundation
- City Missions (nationwide)
- Neuroendocrine Cancer NZ
- Arts Foundation
- The Kids Foundation
- The Art Deco Trust
- Cranford Hospice via The Hawkes Bay Wine Auction
- Lowe Walker Rescue Helicopter
- Heart Kids Wellington
- New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
- Camp Quality Wellington
- Christchurch City Mission
- Ronald McDonald House South Island
- Child Cancer Foundation
- Blind Low Vision NZ
OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Every link matters. We choose suppliers who share our standards, supporting local businesses while maintaining global best practice, and giving you confidence in every component of the chain.
All key suppliers hold ISO 14001 certification. We prioritise local sourcing for stronger supply resilience and reduced emissions, while actively helping our network achieve compliance. It's about buying better and building a supply chain that delivers on environmental, social, and ethical commitments without compromise.