None of us want doom – we all want to buy a positive message – but at the same time we are growing increasingly suspicious about green claims. If your organisation wants to communicate credibly about any part of its supply chain the whole process has to be taken into consideration. Specification, materials, print processes and product end of life are all important indicators when sustainability is being addressed.
To genuinely make your print’s impact on the environment as small as possible, you should be looking to achieve the following:
* printed by ISO 14001 certified printer
* paper must contain at least 50% recycled fibre content
* papers with virgin fibre content must have FSC certification
* all process inks used are vegetable oil based
* any gloss, semitone or matt laminates used must be biodegradable and cold compostable
* if lamination is used it must be applied to on one side of the sheet only unless clear printed instructions on the item advise composting instead of recycling after use
* polywraps for mailing outers should be as thin as practicably possible and can be biodegradable if appropriate*
* the entire life cycle of the printed item has undergone carbon footprint analysis and a payment has been made to offset the estimated CO2 emissions
* rigorous, innovative and genuine environmental protection schemes are in place within the supply chain
For more information on the elements of green printing please click below -
5 simple steps to green printing
Chlorine free paper
Bio-degradable Lamination
Inks
FSC
Press washes and fount solutions
