What Is Sustainable Printing and How Viable Is It?

There is still nothing that beats the tactile value and personal connection of printed materials, of holding something in your hands. However, times have changed and we now know the impact that industries like printing has had on the environment, but that doesn’t mean that printing can’t be sustainable. In fact, in recent times many strides have been made, and with the right approach, printing today is definitely most certainly eco-friendly. At the end of the day, sustainable printing isn’t just about using recycled paper; it involves reducing waste, optimising energy usage, and using responsible materials - so let’s take a closer look.

What is Sustainable Printing?

Sustainable printing is a comprehensive approach that minimises environmental impact through eco-conscious material sourcing, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction. The goal is to produce printed materials in an environmentally friendly way, without sacrificing quality or business viability. At First Colour we have integrated sustainable practices into our processes and proudly form part of 10% of UK printers who hold both the ISO9001 Quality Management System and ISO14001 Environmental Management Standard certifications.

How Recycled Paper And Other Materials Are Used Sustainably

Paper and other materials used in printing are now often sourced from sustainably managed forests, with European forests growing by 1,500 football fields daily​. The use of recycled paper has increased drastically, and combining it with virgin fibres ensures paper quality while promoting sustainability. Materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled fibres - currently 39% of fibre used for making paper is recycled material. Every piece of wood is used for something - from bark for fuel to the ash as ingredients in concrete, little goes to waste.

While paper can be recycled up to seven times, the availability of high-quality recycled paper has grown significantly in recent years, with the majority of paper waste now being part of a circular economy​. In Europe, for example, 71% of paper is recycled​, which has led to an increase in the availability of high-quality recycled products. This trend shows no signs of slowing, as businesses continue to prioritise sustainable practices, driving further demand for recycled materials​. Each recycling cycle shortens the fibres, but combining recycled fibres with virgin ones helps maintain quality and extends the paper’s usability.

The Use Of Eco-Friendly Inks and Technology

Traditional petroleum-based inks have been replaced by soy-based and water-based inks, which have fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer for the environment​. Printers that use less energy are part of the move towards more sustainable printing. Digital printing, for example, has become more efficient, reducing the energy consumption of print facilities​. UV printing has also gained popularity for its ability to cure ink instantly using UV light, thereby eliminating drying time and reducing energy use​.

Additionally, advancements in printing technology have made it possible to print on more sustainable substrates, such as algae-based inks and non-porous materials like glass and plastic. These developments not only reduce waste but also open new possibilities for eco-friendly commercial printing​.

Reducing Waste and Emissions

Reducing waste is another crucial aspect of sustainable printing. Efficient processes and stringent quality control reduce the need for reprints, minimising material use and energy consumption. Additionally, adopting digital proofs over physical ones further contributes to waste reduction​.

Moreover, paper waste that can’t be recycled directly often becomes part of composting or other sustainable waste cycles, reducing the environmental burden of printing. 

The Impact Of Printing Compared To Other Industries

While the printing industry has historically had a significant environmental impact, it now accounts for only a small percentage of total greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe, for instance, printing contributes to just 0.9% of the region’s total emissions​. Advances in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and material sourcing have made printing one of the more environmentally-conscious industries today.

Different printing methods also vary in energy consumption. Digital printing, for example, tends to be more energy-efficient than traditional offset printing, as it requires fewer steps and less equipment. 

Wide-format printing, which often uses durable materials like plastic for banners, can be more resource-intensive due to the use of non-recyclable materials. However, advancements in sustainable substrates have helped reduce the environmental impact of this form of printing​.

Other Factors To Consider

Sustainability in printing doesn’t end with materials and energy consumption. Waste management is a critical factor, with efficient processes in place to reduce the need for reprints, ensuring fewer resources are wasted. Additionally, customers play a role in sustainable printing by opting for eco-friendly choices like digital proofs, reducing the volume of printed materials, and choosing no-emission delivery options​. Sustainable printing is a collaborative effort that involves both producers and consumers in reducing environmental impact.

Sustainable printing is about more than just recycled paper. It’s a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of printed materials through energy-efficient processes, eco-friendly inks, and responsibly sourced materials. At First Colour, we’re proud to lead the way with our certifications and sustainable practices, offering high-quality print solutions that are kind to the planet and your wallet.