Cimpress, the global promo company that includes Massachusetts-based VistaPrint (PPAI 565755, D4), has released its ESG Report for 2023. It is the Ireland-headquartered company’s second report of this nature, having issued its debut ESG Report in 2022.

“More work lies ahead of us to achieve our long-term environmental sustainability goals and to keep pace with an ever-changing regulatory backdrop for all types of ESG topics,” says Robert Keane, chairman and CEO of Cimpress. “But we are on the right path.”

Below are five notable takeaways that can be found in the distributor’s annual report.

Women Representation On The Board 

Cimpress has taken steps through 2023 to present a board that better reflects the actual demographics of consumers and society at large.

  • 50% of independent board members are women, according to the board.
  • 40% of all board members are women.

“Cimpress’ board is small by design, with five members including our founder, chairman and chief executive (Robert Keane) and four independent directors who have diverse business and capital allocation backgrounds and experiences,” the report reads.

A few other notes about the makeup of the board include:

  • 80% of the board is independent versus 20% that is executive.
  • The average years of tenure on the board is 10.2.
  • 40% of the international company’s board are non-U.S. directors.
  • The average age of board members is 51.8 years.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Score For Cimpress is …

Cimpress took part in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index.

  • It received a score of 90 out of 100.

It was also designated one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.”

“While we are proud of these achievements, we know there’s still more we can do,” the report reads. “We remain optimistic about the progress we’ve seen and the substantial work that remains to be done.”

As part of this process Cimpress central teams and Vistaprint have implemented DEI learning resources for all team members.

  • New employees in 2023 were required to participate in DEI onboarding training to acquaint them with concepts, resources and engagement opportunities.
  • A team member registration update form was introduced, which takes into account orientation and gender identity.

A Guideline For The Use Of AI

Cimpress has embraced machine learning and artificial intelligence as a necessary tool in the future steps of its growth. It also recognizes that AI is something that must be incorporated with proper thought and consideration for ripple effects.

“AI is a powerful tool, and as with any developing technology, it comes with new risks,” the report reads. “In FY2023, Cimpress adopted new company-wide guidelines for Generative AI, aimed to mitigate risks while still allowing for broad adoption and innovation with AI across Cimpress.”

The new AI guidelines focus on:

  • General practices for the protection of Cimpress
  • Practices related to confidential information and personal data
  • Use of AI coding tools and related licensing or security protections.

“The guidelines specify prohibited activities and the circumstances in which team members must engage our technology, security and legal teams before proceeding,” reads the report regarding AI guidelines.

  • Cimpress expects the guidelines to evolve and become more specific with the growth and understanding of AI’s capabilities.

Target Goals Surrounding Plastics

The report is transparent about the fact that plastic products are common among Cimpress offerings, and many of those products include plastic to protect the product while in transit.

“Cimpress has set targets for its products and packaging in alignment with the goals of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, cosponsored by the United Nations Environment Program and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation,” the report reads.

The target goals concerning plastics to be met by the end of FY2025 include:

  • Eliminate 100% of problematic plastics in packaging and products.
  • Transition 100% of non-reusable packaging to recyclable and/or compostable materials.
  • Increase the recycled content in plastic products by 20% against FY2020 baseline, to a minimum of 20% recycled content.
  • Decrease use of virgin, fossil-fuel-based plastic content in packaging by at least 20% through a combination of plastic elimination and increased recycled content.

Reaffirmed Commitment To Remote-First Environment

Cimpress is a global company with a workforce based out of over a dozen countries. Following the circumstances of 2020, the company has committed to being an employer that allows its employees to work remotely if possible.

“We no longer consider it a transition but rather an optimization phase aimed at mastering remote work skills that will benefit team members throughout their careers,” the report reads.

As part of that phase, the company conducts a “remote-first survey” to establish how employees feel about the remote atmosphere and what is needed in order to make such circumstances desirable and productive.

  • 37% of respondents said that working across time zones was the biggest challenge presented by remote work.

Cimpress introduced a Network Club and a Leading Remotely learning and development program in response to respondents who desired more opportunities to meet new people.

  • 92% of respondents said that Cimpress and Vistaprint’s commitment to a remote-first approach provides a distinct competitive edge.
  • 72% noted an improvement in their physical fitness.
  • 76% confirmed that their mental health is as good as or better than before they began working remotely.