How Can Printing Become More Eco-Friendly?

The commercial printing industry has steadily been working to increase sustainability and reduce waste. This drive involves all aspects of the printing process, from substrate sourcing to types of ink and recycling protocols.

It’s in every business’s interest to implement these greener systems by introducing eco-friendly printing. Here’s how printing can become more eco-friendly.

Monitor Energy Use

Printers require power, no matter the size. By analysing your equipment and machinery power use, you can set goals for energy consumption. This can include upgrading old equipment and recycling outmoded, inefficient models. Of course, outsourcing your print requirements enables you to achieve many of these power reduction goals by proxy, improving sustainability and saving your business money. Eco-friendly printing companies take energy efficiency very seriously, reducing their consumption by insulating their print workshops through winter and using environmentally friendly (evaporative) air conditioning during the summer. 

Eco-Friendly Inks

Not all inks have the same environmental footprint, with some being made from unsustainable or toxic sources. Many traditional inks release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere during manufacture and on the printing press. VOCs are responsible for long-term environmental damage, as well as posing a risk to human health. Alternatives like vegetable or soy-based inks are far gentler on the environment yet equally effective. Other sustainable options include water-based inks and UV printing. 

Sustainable Paper Source And Recycling

Look at where your paper/substrates and ink are coming from. Keep suppliers close by and avoid unnecessary global transport routes by shopping locally where possible. To that end, the paper stock is important. As well as sourcing papers made from recycled fibres, you should ensure materials are also biodegradable. Recycle unused materials to an eco-industry standard so that materials won’t do damage even long after they’ve left the printers. For in-house documents, question where printing is necessary and make use of lightweight options to reduce overall consumption. 

The general movement towards sustainability within the printing industry is to be applauded. One of the advantages of using a professional printing company like TL Colour is that it is invested in the latest green technology. As both consumers and business owners, there’s a desire to be environmentally friendly. This can be accomplished easily with your printing choices – from greener material choices to cost-effective digital printing.

To find out more about sustainable printing and how we can help you reach your sustainability goals, please call 01235 520444 today, or click here to send us a message.

Image Source: Unsplash