According to Two Sides, the sustainable expert in the printing industry, over 70% of paper in Europe is recycled. It’s fair to say that paper is a pretty environmentally friendly material – but this doesn’t mean we can relax in regards to creating eco-friendly print campaigns.
There are a number of factors when thinking about printing that can cause unnecessary damage to our environment. It’s easier said than done to make sure print remains recyclable. We’ve gathered together the most useful tips and tricks to ensure your campaign is as green as possible.
Make sure your paper is recyclable
This may seem obvious, but choosing the right paper for your print campaign is easily overlooked. Avoid any non-recyclable gloss, glitter or glues. It’s important to check with your printer that your paper of choice is eco-friendly – if you want our opinion, we suggest the matte finish to achieve both an eco-friendly and quality print campaign.
Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste, therefore all print materials should be made to be recycled. If you’re ever unsure, speak to your printing company about the policies they have in place.
Consider your ink
With a print campaign, the devil is truly in the details. Consider going for inks that contain vegetable oil instead of mineral oil – they’ll be missing all those nasty chemicals. If you’re opting for a luxurious feel to your campaign, what about embossing your paper?
Include the recycling symbol
If your print is recyclable, let people know! Let your recycling sign be easy-to-see and very apparent – this means your reader will be motivated to recycle. Make their recycling process as easy as can be.
What would be the point in having recyclable material if no one knows that they can be recycled? Show that symbol with pride and recipients can feel confident knowing that they can recycle your material when the time comes, and as well as this, they’ll respect you more for being a green-thinking company!
Don’t forget the distribution
So, you’ve sorted your materials. What else?
There is one remaining factor to consider – the delivery and mode of transport! Cut down on emissions with an eco-conscious mode of distribution. Although this may not always be feasible, consider switching to 100% electric transport. It is wise to at least consider utilising some electric vehicles – a fraction is better than nothing.
Electric transport has an astounding impact on the environment, and operational savings are clear to see.
Think about the binding
Although binding your documents is the best way to make them look professional, eco-friendly binding supplies are new to the industry. Nevertheless, they are becoming more common – binding no longer needs to harm the environment. Consider greener options, such as those from Duplo.
Duplo International’s book binding machine utilises EVA and PUR binding glues, maintaining their notoriously high standards whilst caring for the natural environment. Everything from table-top to high cycle demands can be covered. The PFiBIND 2100 PUR Binder is a natural choice – a flexible solution that allows you to be more dynamic with your print campaign.
