Here are a few real-life examples of how you can reduce your environmental impact with your print project:
1. Paper Preferences
Want to reduce your personal or corporate waste? The range of paper options has substantially increased in recent years. From recycled wood pulp to “tree-free” papers (made from bamboo, sugarcane, and mango, to name a few), you can now choose from an array of possibilities. If you want to know more about recycled paper options, we’d be happy to share them with you.
2. Ink Selection
As companies have worked to create eco-friendly products, printing processes and types of ink have been part of that experiment. Non-toxic toners and soy and vegetable-based inks have matured in quality, improving in saturation, density, and brilliance. A 2005 Earth Day ad perfectly demonstrated this message, speaking out against chlorine-processed paper on an exceptional-quality poster that employed soy-based inks and recycled paper.
3. Products and Packaging
Environmental improvements in print also include finishes and packaging techniques. Consider simple options for reducing waste, increasing the longevity of a product, or using organic materials to reduce your footprint.
For example, adhesive labels offer an efficient method for delivering product information without coating an entire packaging surface. Hangtags (versus boxes or containers) significantly reduce the quantity of disposed material you produce. Biodegradable or 100 percent recycled materials can be used for boxes, bags, and more. Even the choice to print a fold-over flyer (versus traditional letter and envelope format) can reduce unnecessary waste.
Keep the Creativity Flowing
While we don’t know what the future holds, everyday choices can make a collective impact. Remember, you can make a difference, even in your design and print decisions!