There are many considerations when choosing a print supplier for printed materials in the workplace. Not least of which these days, is the environment. We are all far more aware of our eco responsibilities than in previous times and working with a print company whose focus is sustainability and eco-friendliness is an important consideration. Here are some aspects to look for when choosing your eco-friendly printing supplier:
Look Out For Certifications
Look for a print supplier that works within the ISO 14000 Environmental Management framework or similar quality professional standard. Consider print suppliers that are eco-conscious and have made positive steps to produce their products whilst considering aspects such as sustainable packaging, carbon balancing, energy efficient printing and on-site recycling.
Recycled and Recyclable Paper
Any sustainable printing company will be using eco-friendly printing materials. One of the main components being the type of paper. An environmentally friendly printing company will be using papers that include pre-consumer recycled content which has been sourced responsibly from acknowledged sustainable tree plantations and managed forests that only use chlorine-free processing. There are other similar options available for recycled materials but those that are recycled AFTER consumer use are not necessarily the most eco-friendly options. It will depend on any chemicals used in the appropriate recycling processes.
Vegetable Based Inks
Many eco-friendly printing companies will use vegetable-based inks instead of the petroleum-based inks that the industry has traditionally utilised. The latest vegetable-based ink products produce high-end, high-quality images that are both kind and gentle to the environment and are easily removed during any further recycling process. Likewise, an environmentally friendly printing company will be considering the coatings and chemicals that they employ in their printing processes. Water-based aqueous coatings provide top-quality, high-gloss finishes, and UV coatings can also be applied in an eco-friendly manner if achieved through energy-efficient processing.
Waste Reduction
With energy and process efficient production using top-grade paper and the latest technology, the amount of paper required for set-up can be greatly reduced. Many eco-friendly printing companies will recycle their scrap paper into newsprint – a process that is energy-efficient and uses much less water and chemicals than recycling into white paper. Recycling packing materials also help avoid excess permanent waste for landfills.
Energy Consumption
Central to any sustainable printing company will be energy consumption and efficiency. Facilities that use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, will be far more environmentally friendly. The use of modern well-insulated and energy-efficient buildings, reducing water-usage and power-saving equipment, will add to those eco-friendly credentials when considering the total resources used to produce the printed products.
Sustainable Business Practices Awareness
Aside from the eco-responsibility of efficient and environmentally-friendly production practices that your print company wants to contribute towards, the business advantages can also be great. Both customers and employees alike will be happier to deal with your business, so it is important to inform people of your responsible production practices. Ensure that all your marketing materials are produced with these eco-friendly and sustainable processes and include references to this in all your advertising and marketing campaigns. Name the sustainable certifications that you use and add a relevant recycling label on all your marketing materials. Printing eco-friendly leaflets, catalogues, brochures and using recycled envelopes for your own business is a great advert and example to your customers and clients. It demonstrates not only top-quality printed products, but also your eco-awareness, responsibilities, and professional business conscience. All of which build trust in your brand with your customers.
John E Wright printing service – the eco-friendly choice
At John E Wright, we understand the impact that printing has on the environment, and we are committed to making a difference. As members of the Carbon Capture scheme since January 2020, we are actively involved in reducing our impact on the environment.
If you’re in the market for a printing service that cares about the environment, or are looking for some eco-friendly printing, from business stationary to larger scale prints, we would love to hear from you. For more information please don’t hesitate to contact your local office or contact us and we’d be delighted to help you. You can also call our head office on: 0115 950 6633