Understanding and utilising sustainable printing methods is important not only for the future of our planet, but also the success of your business. As well as reducing your environmental footprint, opting for eco-friendly operations and materials can help to attract more customers and investors.
What’s more, technological advancements in the printing industry support sustainable solutions with no impact on quality or durability. Below, we share seven simple yet effective tips to help you implement sustainable printing practices. Read on to get started!
What is sustainable printing?
Sustainable printing refers to the practice of using environmentally-friendly methods and materials with the aim of protecting the planet for future generations.
From energy consumption to waste disposal, there are a range of factors to consider when determining whether printing is sustainable. For instance, it may involve using recycled paper, vegetable oil-based inks and chemistry-free printing technology to name a few.
Learn more about our sustainable printing solutions.
Sustainable printing solutions: 7 eco-friendly tips
1. Choose recycled paper
Your choice of printing material will affect how sustainable the overall process is. Choosing recycled paper helps to reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of trees needed for print runs.
Nowadays, recycled printing paper is inexpensive and easy to source. However, make sure you are using recycled paper that contains some virgin fibres, which support its structural integrity and durability. As recycled fibres tend to fall apart after several uses, fresh fibres are required to maintain a sustainable paper cycle.
At Printroom, we recommend that all of our customers select recycled paper, which we receive from suppliers who use pulp from sustainable sources. You can enjoy peace of mind that this paper will produce the same high quality prints achieved with alternative materials.
2. Opt for vegetable oil-based inks
Know that not all inks have the same environmental impact. At Printroom, we print with vegetable oil-based inks, which are the most eco-friendly option available.
Vegetable oil-based inks are made of renewable resources such as cottonseed, tung, China wood oil and linseed. Thanks to their natural nature, their waste can be recycled and reused. Plus, this type of ink produces more precise colours, meaning you get higher-quality results while supporting the environment!
3. Use chemistry-free Computer to Plate (CTP) printing technology
It’s important to use an energy-efficient printing technology if you are looking to be sustainable. Chemistry-free Computer to Plate (CTP) printing technology doesn’t require film, and therefore any associated chemicals or biohazards needed for its processing.
As chemistry is removed from the process, CTP printers minimise energy and natural resource consumption. Additionally, with less chemicals to purchase and get rid of, this type of printing can lead to lower printing costs in the long term.
By using energy-efficient, chemistry-free plates, Printroom has bolstered its commitment to environmental sustainability. To top it off, we smelt and recycle all of our printing plates.
4. Stand out with sustainable foil printing
Believe it or not, foil printing is both compostable and recycleable. Foil printing enables you to unleash your creativity and pull out all the stops, all the while knowing that your decorative touches won’t harm the environment.
At Printroom, we print all sorts of foiled business cards for competitive prices! Whether you want to emphasise your logo with a touch of sparkle, enhance edges with shine or stand out with a completely metallic design, we’ve got you covered with highly-customisable solutions!
5. Print on both sides of the page
Duplex printing, whereby you print on both sides of each piece of paper, is an easy and effective way to cut down the amount of printing material you use. What’s more, you can enjoy significant savings – cut your paper usage, waste and expenses in half.
If you’re printing at home, many printers are equipped with an in-built duplex printing option, so you print double sided at the touch of a button. Duplex printing is also available with Printroom – simply select the ‘2 Side’ option before submitting your quote request and we’ll do the rest!
6. Dispose of waste material correctly
Once your printing job is complete, it’s important to dispose of any waste in an eco-friendly manner. Reuse and recycle all suitable materials, rather than sending them straight to landfill.
Here at Printroom, we take a green approach to waste disposal, recycling all waste material safely and responsibly. We also break down any obsolete computers, monitors, and other e-waste into useable commodities. After all, reducing waste not only helps to protect the environment but also makes our processes more efficient, in turn cutting operational costs.
7. Partner with an environmentally-friendly printing service
Since the 1990s, Printroom has been following a long-term strategy to ensure we minimise the impact of our printing activities on the environment.
Abiding by all environmental legislation, our printing process is designed to lessen its environmental footprint without compromising on quality and affordability.
Additionally, our eco-conscious practices continue in other areas of the business. From planning road deliveries that reduce gas emissions to adopting a file transfer protocol (FTP) that removes the need for CDs, DVDs and their waste, we are dedicated to implementing sustainable practices at every opportunity.
Get eco-friendly printing services with Printroom
The above sustainable printing methods are just the beginning of your move to a greener business with a reduced carbon footprint! Plus, sustainable printing practices can also save you money thanks to more efficient processes and reduced waste.
Enquire about our eco-friendly printing solutions today or contact our online printing specialists for more information on 1300 661 200.
