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MAXIMIZE YOUR STANDARDS. MINIMIZE YOUR FOOTPRINT.
As defined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, sustainability is "meeting the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." In the printing industry, many companies are implementing measures to minimize their environmental footprint by meeting and even exceeding industry environmental standards. The goal is to make and distribute products that do not diminish natural resources or harm human life or ecosystems. Recycling is a well-recognized way of promoting sustainability and its importance cannot be overestimated. For every 100 pounds of trash thrown away, 35 pounds of it is paper. Paper is the number one material contributing to our solid waste.
A movement beyond recycling is printer Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification. FSC Certification is awarded to companies that meet criteria set forth to ensure responsible forest management and reduce negative environmental impact. For a project to carry the FSC logo, the printer, paper house and raw materials source must be FSC certified. This guarantees the paper is from responsibly managed forests. Gaining FSC Certification helps protect our forests, water, habitats and wildlife, and ensures proper treatment and respect for indigenous peoples. FSC tightly monitors resources, paper mills, manufacturing processes and manufacturing by-products through a strict, independently-governed materials tracking process known as the "chain of custody" system.
Printing is central to the advertising and marketing industry. So how can we, as an industry, help meet the sustainability goal? Using FSC Certified print houses is a good way to start. At HMH, our 2007 "Supplier of the Year" award went to a company that exemplifies careful environmental practices: Tracey Egan at Premier Press. Since the company's 1974 inception, it has recycled everything from waste paper and metals to waste ink, pallet wraps, vinyls and plastics. Premier believes that proper use and management of resources, regardless of cost, can actually have a positive effect on the environment, as well as its quality and profitability. Jodi Krohn, president of Premier Press, noted that "Premier operates with 100% renewable energy through PGE's Clean Wind renewable energy program. Through this investment, we hope to lead the way for other businesses to join in the fight for true sustainability." Premier also invests in both UV ink technology, which has no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, and Baldwin Technology, which decreases other ink VOCs by 95%, all of which add to air quality protection by far exceeding environmental standards. "Our goal at Premier Press is to be a forerunner in sustainability and to encourage other businesses, customers, regulators, neighbors and suppliers to join the fight," concludes Krohn.
How can your company practice sustainability? Start with this checklist:
Planning
- Consider using 100% PCW uncoated paper.
- Think about using Elemental Chlorine Free or Totally Chlorine Free paper.
- If using virgin paper stock, look for FSC or SFI certification.
- Buy paper from a source using sustainable energy in production.
- For long shelf life, choose a paper that meets American National Standards Institute standards for product longevity.
- Plan ahead to avoid air and rush shipping.
- Employ targeted, updated mailing lists.
- Plan ink colors and finishes so they can run in one pass.
- Consider tree-free papers or buy FSC and Green Seal certified papers and products.
Production
- Carefully target your audience to maximize print effectiveness, along with other media options.
- Use the fewest materials necessary to be effective.
- Maximize long-term value with useful, multipurpose design.
- If the printed piece isn't reusable, ensure that it is recyclable.
- Try digital photography.
- Replace paper printouts with PDF digital proofs.
Inks and Finishes
- Consider vegetable-based inks for uncoated paper, and UV inks for coated paper.
- Use fewer ink colors.
- Lighten your ink coverage.
- Avoid metallic and fluorescent inks when possible.
- Try using aqueous varnishes and coatings instead of UV coatings and laminates.
- Seek alternatives to foil stamping.
- Make use of water-based glues.
Printing
- Involve the print vendor in the planning stages.
- Choose an FSC certified printer.
- If not FSC certified, check that the printer has an environmental management system in place.
- Consider filmless and plateless digital printing for small runs.
- Send art to printer electronically or on a rewritable CD.
- Clearly outline specs to vendor.
- At project close, recap with client and vendors to learn from successes or failures.
Logo Use
- Use recycled logo and indicate PCW content.
- Use FCS or SFI logos according to guidelines.
- Indicate ISO certification where applicable.
- Use PCF, ECF, or TCF designations where appropriate according to pulp-bleaching method.
- Note vegetable ink use.
- Encourage end-user to either share or recycle the printed piece.
Other
- Use energy-saver features on computer equipment.
- Institute an office recycling program.
- Promote purchasing recycled office paper.
- Print double-sided and/or in draft mode.
- Use silverware and mugs instead of paper and plastic.
- Donate old office equipment to schools or Free Geek.
- Shake toner cartridges occasionally to lengthen life.
- Use alternative modes of transportation.
- Use energy efficient lighting.
- Use cleaning products that are soy-based and biodegradable.
- Ship goods, when possible, by bicycle couriers, hybrid cars or biodiesel fueled trucks.
- Use chlorine-free, 100% recycled fibers for paper towels and bathroom tissue.
Article by:
Tracy Hook, HMH, Senior Production Manager
Chart information thanks to HMH, Premier Press, Metropolitan Fine Printers, Kodak and Monadnock Paper Mills.
