The most environmentally friendly printed product: what is needed for this?

Paper is a renewable resource that can be easily recycled. Paper producers plant more trees than they consume, helping to grow new forests. However, printing is associated with an industry that is unfriendly to the environment. But it is not all that bad. Here are ways to get the greenest possible print.

Choosing a Printer

Eco-friendly printers emphasize green initiatives on their websites and social media. If there is not enough information, you can communicate in person by asking a few basic questions, for example:

• How modern is the equipment used?
• Are trees being planted?
• Are alternative sources of electricity used?
• Are modern energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems provided?
• Is a paperless office concept being implemented?
• How is waste recycled?
• How is waste recycled?
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Look how far the printing house is from you. The further you drive, the more emissions your car produces. It’s even better if the printing house has an online platform for placing orders. Then you won’t have to leave your office or home to order printed products.

By the way, if you choose a reliable printing house whose quality of work you are confident in, you don’t have to ask for test prints, but be content with electronic proofs.

Correct paper

Can be suitable for creating many types of products recycled paper. It will stand out against the usual white background and attract additional attention, emphasizing your desire to protect the environment.

Even if printing on white paper is important to you, research how environmentally friendly its production is.

h2>The right paints

Modern paint manufacturers also make a lot of efforts to make production as close as possible to nature. Choosing leading brands will be preferable to cheap paints of unknown origin.

Minimalistic design

The more free space that is not filled with design elements, the less paint is consumed. And this is another step towards environmental friendliness.

Do not use coatings

Many varnishes and laminates are made from petroleum products. During their production, harmful substances are released into the atmosphere and natural resources are used. Chemicals also affect the processing of printed products.

Water-based coatings can be a more “gentle” choice.

Cold stamping

Not all products require printing. Sometimes, in order to apply an image, it is enough to resort to cold stamping (embossing or debossing) and get a convex/indented image. This method may be suitable for, for example, business cards or presentation folders. Overall, the relief image adds style and engages tactile sensations.

Avoid repeated printing

In case of critical errors, the circulation will have to be reprinted, and the incorrect one will have to be put under the knife. Therefore, check everything carefully before sending it to print.

Eco-friendly packaging

Like any other product, finished printed products are packaged. Make sure that the printing house will pack the circulation in environmentally friendly materials.

Delivery

The courier service uses a vehicle to deliver to multiple addresses, intelligently planning the route. This is “more profitable” in terms of emissions into the atmosphere than picking up the circulation yourself.

So, a printed product can be very environmentally friendly if taken care of at all stages, including design creation, choice of materials and printing house. Well, if some materials are outdated, there is no need for them, they don’t have to be thrown away, but can be recycled. Don't focus on online advertising just because print doesn't seem "green" to you. Printed products are more credible and work more effectively to attract audiences.