ECONOMICAL PRINTING
ECONOMICAL PRINTING
Sustainable Printing Solutions
Unclaimed prints can make up 30% of all prints!
The print industry has been conscientiously pursuing green printing techniques and there has been a real push in recent years to look at more sustainable printing methods.
While there is a drive for digital innovation, it’s a fact that for many businesses it’s not possible to just stop printing and go completely paperless.
By implementing managed print services, you will be able to enforce company print policies for individual users, departments or for the whole company, helping you minimise wastage.
Economical printing benefits:
- Obtain insight into print usage patterns
- Reduce paper usage
- Print on-demand
- Minimise power consumption
- Encourage sustainable habits
Coupled with our on-site and remote support, with end-user training, you and your team will be guided through the systems to ensure the implementation is a smooth and simple process.
In Action: Managed Print Solutions
Watch the video to see how Paul Atkinson compares the values and culture within the two businesses and rates the guidance and technical assistance over 20 years.
What is Print Sustainability?
Print sustainability, also known as eco-friendly printing, is a comprehensive approach that aims to minimise the environmental impact of print operations. This involves strategies to reduce power consumption, minimise waste, and lower the carbon footprint associated with printing.
Sustainable printing practices could include the use of recycled or sustainably sourced paper, energy-efficient printers and non-toxic inks.
Additionally, digital solutions like print-on-demand services and enforced print policies can significantly reduce unnecessary printing, contributing to a more sustainable printing environment. This not only helps to conserve our planet’s natural resources but also results in cost savings for businesses in the long run.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Printing
Eco-friendly sustainable printing presents a myriad of benefits, not only to the environment but also to organisations.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly printing practices significantly cut down on waste, helping to reduce the overall impact on the environment. By utilising recycled or biodegradable materials, we are conserving natural resources and reducing deforestation.
- Cost Savings: Sustainable printing can often result in substantial cost savings. Efficient energy use, less wastage, and smart print policies can drastically cut down operational costs in the long run.
- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: As environmental regulations become stricter, adopting sustainable printing can help businesses stay ahead of potential regulations and avoid possible fines or penalties.
- Positive Brand Image: Consumers are becoming increasingly eco conscious, and by adopting sustainable printing practices, businesses can showcase their commitment to environmentally friendly operations, enhancing their brand image.
- Healthier Workplace: Eco-friendly printing often involves the use of non-toxic inks and toners, which can improve the air quality in the workplace and reduce potential health risks.
By embracing eco-friendly sustainable printing, organisations can make a tangible impact on their environmental footprint, while simultaneously reaping considerable benefits for their business.
Types of Sustainable Printing
Recycled paper
Recycled paper is a key part of sustainable printing. This paper is manufactured using post-consumer waste and has undergone a comprehensive recycling process. A significant advantage of using recycled paper is the reduction of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Additionally, the production of recycled paper typically consumes less energy compared to virgin paper production, further minimizing the environmental impact.
Besides environmental benefits, recycled paper also contributes a rustic, uncoated aesthetic that can align with the overall brand image of eco-conscious companies. By choosing recycled paper for printing needs, businesses can emphasize their commitment to sustainability and encourage a culture of responsible consumption.
Digital printing
Digital printing represents another fundamental facet of sustainable printing. It involves the transfer of a document from a personal computer or other digital storage device to a printing substrate via a device that accepts text and graphic output. As opposed to traditional offset printing, digital printing does not require printing plates, which results in less waste of paper and chemical byproducts.
Furthermore, digital printing allows for on-demand printing, meaning that companies print only what they need when they need it, significantly reducing waste. Notably, it also contributes to energy conservation as digital printing machines often consume less electricity than traditional presses.
By adopting digital printing, companies can further display their eco-friendly credentials, adhere to environmentally friendly printing standards, and lower their overall energy consumption.
Carbon balanced paper
Carbon-balanced paper is another innovative solution in the realm of sustainable printing. This type of paper has had its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions measured and offset through various environmental initiatives. These initiatives may include planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects which actively remove or reduce CO2 from the atmosphere. The use of carbon-balanced paper directly contributes to minimising a company’s carbon footprint and its impact on climate change.
Purchasing carbon-balanced paper also often supports conservation projects around the world, further enhancing the environmental benefits of this sustainable printing solution. By opting for carbon-balanced paper, businesses not only reduce their unnecessary waste and CO2 emissions but also demonstrate an active commitment to environmental sustainability. This practice not only contributes to a healthier planet but can also enhance a company’s reputation among its eco-conscious clientele.
Carbon balanced print
Just as with carbon-balanced paper, carbon-balanced print provides a practical solution for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Carbon-balanced printing involves offsetting the CO2 emissions generated during the printing process. This is achieved through various environmental initiatives, such as investing in renewable energy projects or taking part in reforestation programmes.
By engaging in carbon-balanced printing, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it can enhance their brand image among eco-conscious consumers and potential partners. This innovative approach to printing not only represents a significant step towards more sustainable operations but also sets a valuable example for other businesses in the industry.
FSC Certified Paper
When it comes to print, it is important to ensure the paper used is sustainably sourced. This is where the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) comes in. The FSC-certified paper provides a guarantee that the paper products are derived from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
The FSC certification helps consumers and businesses make informed choices about the forest products they buy, and create positive change by engaging the power of market dynamics. By opting for FSC-certified paper in their print operations, businesses can help to provide a sustainable future for the world’s forests and the people who rely on them.
LED UV printing
LED UV printing is a cutting-edge technology that sits at the intersection of sustainability and efficiency. This printing method uses high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to dry or “cure” the ink instantly as it’s printed, reducing the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and post-print heat treatments.
This process significantly reduces energy consumption, making it one of the greenest and most efficient printing methods available. Prompt ink curing also prevents it from being absorbed into the paper, thus reducing waste and enhancing image quality. By implementing LED UV printing, companies can further demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices.
F.A.Q.s
What type of printing is the most sustainable?
Determining the most sustainable printing method involves considering a variety of factors such as energy consumption, waste production, and the source of materials used. However, LED UV printing stands out as one of the most sustainable options. This method uses high-intensity ultraviolet light to instantly cure the ink as it’s printed, reducing the need for volatile organic compounds and post-print heat treatments. This significantly lowers energy consumption and prevents ink absorption into the paper, thereby minimising waste.
Additionally, using sustainably sourced materials such as FSC-certified paper or carbon-balanced paper can further enhance the sustainability of the printing process.
How can we reduce the environmental impact of printing?
The environmental impact of printing can be reduced through several strategies. Firstly, adopting eco-friendly printing technologies such as LED UV printing can significantly decrease energy consumption and waste. Secondly, using sustainably sourced materials such as FSC-certified or carbon-balanced paper can help in conserving the environment. Thirdly, implementing on-demand printing strategies can minimise wastage by ensuring that companies only print what they need when they need it.
Additionally, companies can also offset the carbon emissions produced during the printing process by investing in renewable energy projects or engaging in reforestation programs. Lastly, recycling used printer cartridges and using recycled paper whenever possible can also contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of printing.
How is eco-printing sustainable?
Eco-printing is sustainable in several ways. First, it prioritises the use of environmentally-friendly materials, such as FSC-certified or carbon-balanced paper, which contribute to conservation efforts and reduce the demand for non-renewable resources.
Second, eco-printing technologies, like LED UV printing, reduce energy consumption and waste, ensuring a more efficient and environmentally conscious printing process.
Third, many eco-printing methods utilize inks and dyes that are biodegradable or less toxic than their conventional counterparts, reducing harmful runoff into waterways.
Lastly, eco-printing supports the principles of a circular economy by encouraging practices such as recycling used printer cartridges and print waste, thereby further minimizing its environmental impact.
GET IN TOUCH
ANY QUESTIONS? GIVE US A CALL
Mon – Fri | 9:00am to 5:30pm | 8 -10 Sirdar Rd, Brook Road Industrial Estate, Rayleigh SS6 7XF
