At the Forefront of Group Synergy-Driven Sustainability — Revitalizing Forests in the UK and Contributing to Value Creation for Customers
In the UK paper distribution industry, Premier Paper Group (Premier) continues to lead the way in sustainability. The company launched its original environmental program, Carbon Capture®, in 2011, and since becoming part of the Japan Pulp & Paper Group in 2019, Premier has further advanced its sustainability initiatives. Currently piloting this strategy is Hussein Ismail. With a career built in sales and marketing, Ismail has been successful at driving Premier’s transformation toward sustainable management. Now, he is setting his sights on the next stage.
Customer Success Director
Premier Paper Group
A Unique Social Contribution Program that Deepens Customer Relationships
Carbon Capture® is an environmental contribution program, which captures greenhouse gases (GHG) generated during the manufacturing and distribution of paper products through donations to Woodland Trust, a woodland conservation charity in the UK. By purchasing paper, customers can directly contribute to tree planting and woodland restoration activities. Ismail has overseen this program for many years, and his mission is to further expand the activities of Carbon Capture® and continue leading the sustainability field within the UK paper distribution industry. His current focus is on digitalization. By automating complex tasks such as calculating GHG emissions and creating an environment where customers can instantly access certificates and the latest information through a dedicated portal site, Premier is launching efforts that combine sustainable management with greater convenience. In addition, the company utilizes the EcoVadis assessment process, which evaluates companies’ ESG initiatives, to continually review its operations form a broad perspective that includes human rights and sustainable procurement. Ismail firmly believes that “continuously improving rather than settling for the status quo is the foundation of long-term customer trust.”
By working to reduce environmental impact, Premier delivers added value to its customers’ businesses and strengthens their loyalty as well. This commitment to moving forward together with customers is very much in line with the overall approach of the OVOL Japan Pulp & Paper Group.
Leveraging Group Synergies to Tackle New Environmental Challenges
Premier’s integration into the Japan Pulp & Paper Group in 2019 marked a major turning point for the company. Becoming a member of a global network of companies and sharing initiatives has become a powerful driving force in advancing projects throughout the UK. “Being part of a global organization that places sustainability at the heart of its strategy has given tremendous momentum to our projects in the UK,” says Ismail. Premier is also placing strong emphasis on reducing its own GHG emissions. The company is developing rapid, concrete measures such as installing solar panels across multiple sites and providing EV charging facilities at all locations. The rigorous annual reporting of numerical targets to headquarters has further strengthened each employee’s sense of commitment.
Looking ahead, Premier aims to leverage the more than ten years of expertise it has built through Carbon Capture® to develop new services that enable customers to capture GHG emissions generated across their entire business operations. By going beyond the boundaries of existing businesses and searching for new forms of value that contribute to society, Premier exemplifies the very synergy that Japan Pulp & Paper displays.
Taking Success Even Further: Leading Sustainable Management in the UK Paper Distribution Industry
Premier’s initiatives have been steadily delivering tangible results. Since the launch of Carbon Capture® in 2011, more than 600 companies have participated the program. By the end of 2025, total contributions are expected to exceed GBP2.37 million (approximately JPY450 million), and the number of trees planted is estimated to reach around 570,000. As these trees grow, they are projected to absorb approximately 132,000 tons of GHG emissions in the future. “I will continue to ensure that Premier remains a leading company in the UK paper distribution sector — one that excels in sustainability as well,” Ismail explains passionately. By making environmental impact reduction visible, Premier is creating a more sustainable future together with its customers. Taking this success even further, the challenges undertaken by the company — and by Japan Pulp & Paper Group — to pass on the UK’s rich and beautiful forests to the next generation will continue.
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A scene from a tree planting event. -
Premier remains committed to preserving the UK’s rich natural environment for future generations.
catch up |GBP2.37 Million Donated, 570,000 Trees Planted — Preserving Britain’s Forests for the Future Through Carbon Capture®
Carbon Capture® is an environmental contribution program operated by Premier that captures CO2 generated during the manufacturing and distribution of paper products through donations to Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. All contributions, which are based on customers’ paper purchase volumes, directly support tree planting and woodland restoration activities. Under the government accredited UK Woodland Carbon Code, these efforts ensure measurable, long term GHG reductions. Through this program, customers can accurately measure and effectively capture the GHG emissions associated with the manufacture and distribution of the Premier products they purchase — making environmental impact reduction visible and actionable.
The information in OVOL Insight is current as of the day of publication.
Please note that information may be subject to change without prior notice.
[Published on April 27, 2026]