Family-run CSG first moved into print recycling in 2008 when it bought Dorset-based J&G Environmental, now the UK’s biggest print waste handling firm.
Following this latest acquisition, which was completed in July, former Saxon owners Mick Adams and Richard Stimson have joined CSG for a six-month handover period, while J&G managing director John Haines will head up the £2m-turnover company.
The business will continue to trade under the same name and will operate from its existing Whittlesford premises, with its twelve staff joining CSG.
J&G, which employs 49 staff, turns over around £20m per year and collects all non-paper based waste from more than 2,000 print businesses around the UK.
Haines said the acquisition of Saxon would help the group expand its reach.
He added: “Saxon will be a huge asset to J&G. It helps us to expand across a wider geographical area. Saxon have a strong presence across the South East. There are three main players, us being one and acquiring one of the others will help consolidate the market. We felt this move really made sense.”
Haines said that with the move from litho to digital there had been a huge reduction in chemical waste, so the company has had to diversify.
“There was an obvious drop in waste as people have begun to move away from litho, but under the umbrella of CSG we have been able to open up our markets to more hazardous waste collection from non-print customers.”
CSG managing director Neil Richards said: “Waste creation is one of the printing industry’s top three environmental impacts and our acquisition of Saxon comes at a time when the industry is enthusiastically embracing more sustainable waste management.
“Like us, Saxon has long supported the goal of routine recycling and re-use of print waste which makes them ideal partners for us. Between them, the two companies can provide the most comprehensive waste management service yet available to the printing industry.”
He added: “Despite a testing trading environment, our strategy is to continue to grow the business. This latest acquisition is a further step in the group’s expansion plans and we look forward to announcing more business developments in the future.”