Green print: 5 sustainable printing practices

As a commercial print business owner or manager, embracing sustainable practices isn't just a moral obligation - it’s a strategic move crucial for long-term profitability, customer loyalty, and future-proofing your business.

With 51% of industry leaders citing sustainability as their biggest challenge, the shift toward eco-friendly practices is no longer optional; it's a competitive necessity. Customers are demanding greener solutions, regulations are tightening, and businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind. 

The same report also found that...

...55% of respondents are driven to embrace sustainability by its potential to attract new customers and 56% are motivated by the intrinsic value of doing what's right for the planet.

Sustainability can boost your bottom line, enhance brand reputation, and position your company as a leader in an evolving marketplace. Ready to turn your printing business into an eco-friendly powerhouse? Discover five impactful strategies to make your printing operations greener and more efficient. 

Contents

• Leverage carbon footprint calculating software
• Incorporating sustainable inks and toners
• Choosing eco-friendly paper and materials
• Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs
• Optimizing printing processes for energy efficiency

Leverage carbon footprint calculating software

In today's environmentally conscious market, transparency regarding your business's carbon footprint is critical. With the integration of CarbonQuota across the Print ePS portfolio of print management solutions, launched at drupa 2024, print businesses can now provide accurate, real-time carbon estimates on every quote, helping you measure and manage the environmental impact of your print operations effortlessly.

CarbonQuota Essentials is a market-leading SaaS platform that automates carbon measurement, allowing you to calculate the carbon footprint of every product across your entire value chain. Through seamless integration with Print ePS MIS systems, carbon tracking has never been easier or faster.

Benefits of the ePS and CarbonQuota Integration:

• Automated carbon management: Get immediate carbon estimates for each product, with no setup or training required.
• Compliant to international standards: Ensure all measurements meet globally recognized carbon reporting protocols.
• Boost client trust and loyalty: Providing customers with transparent carbon data encourages environmentally responsible choices.
• Affordable and efficient: No hidden integration fees, making it a low-cost solution that scales with your needs.
• Improved operational insights: Identify which production stages contribute the most to your carbon output, allowing for more strategic, eco-friendly decisions.

Leveraging carbon footprint calculating software can be a significant step toward not just a greener business model, but also building greater trust and loyalty with your customers.

Incorporating sustainable inks and toners

Transitioning to sustainable inks and toners is a vital step towards greener printing practices. Traditional petroleum-based inks contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

Switching to soy-based or vegetable-based inks can reduce the emission of VOCs, providing a safer and more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based inks. These inks also offer the benefit of easier paper recycling, as they are simpler to remove during the de-inking process.

In addition to plant-based inks, exploring the use of toners that have a lower environmental impact or are refillable can further enhance your sustainability efforts. Engage with manufacturers who are committed to producing environmentally friendly inks and toners, and make sure to communicate these choices to your clients, highlighting the steps your business is taking to protect the planet.

Choosing eco-friendly paper and materials

In the same EcoPrint report mentioned previously, 58% of printers believe that offering sustainable materials such as cardboard, reboard, FSC & recycled papers will provide the best investment vs. performance/profit.

The cornerstone of sustainable printing lies in the use of eco-friendly paper and materials. Selecting paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensures that your print products are contributing to the health of the planet.

Additionally, embracing materials with recycled content or that are upcycled can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your business. It's not just about the paper – consideration must also be given to the packaging and shipping materials used, opting for biodegradable or recyclable options wherever possible.

Moreover, staying informed about the latest developments in sustainable materials can help your printing business stay ahead of the curve. 59% of companies started using more sustainable materials in 2023 - Deloitte

Engaging with suppliers who prioritize environmental responsibility can foster a supply chain that reflects your company's commitment to sustainability.

By choosing eco-friendly paper and materials, you not only reduce your ecological footprint but also appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

Here are a few key stats from theroundup.org on consumer behavior...

• 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands.
• 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.
• Products marketed as sustainable grew 2.7x faster than those that were not.

Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs

Waste reduction is a key component of sustainable printing practices. Implementing comprehensive recycling programs within your printing business can greatly minimize the environmental impact of waste materials.

Most paper is recyclable between five and seven times and recycling one tonne of paper can save 17 trees! - businesswaste.co.uk

Encouraging the recycling of paper offcuts, used plates, and empty ink cartridges can make a substantial difference. Moreover, by optimizing print layouts to reduce material usage and implementing stringent quality control measures to decrease misprints, you can further minimize waste.

Educating employees about the importance of waste reduction and recycling can empower them to contribute to your company's sustainability goals. Collaborating with local recycling facilities and waste management services can ensure that materials are disposed of responsibly.

By prioritizing recycling and waste reduction, your printing business not only helps the environment but also projects a responsible image to your clientele.

Optimizing printing processes for energy efficiency

Energy consumption is a significant factor in the sustainability of printing operations. By optimizing your printing processes for energy efficiency, you can reduce your carbon footprint and operational costs. This can be achieved by investing in modern, energy-efficient printers and presses that consume less electricity. Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment also ensure that they operate at peak efficiency, preventing energy wastage.

Further energy savings can be realized through smart workflow solutions, such as automated print-on-demand services, which reduce the need for large print runs and the associated energy use. Additionally, implementing software that streamlines production can minimize machine idle times and contribute to a more energy-efficient operation. 

Imposition software like Metrix can also be a critical part of reducing your wastage – by squeezing as many jobs onto the same stock and print run you can take active steps to be more sustainable every time your equipment is running.

"Partnering with ePS and Technique has been a game-changer for Acorn Web. It has become the backbone of our operations, enabling us to offer consistently high-quality products. With Technique, we've revolutionized our monitoring, efficiency, communication, and production schedules. Our turnover has skyrocketed from £16 million to £26 million. As we continue to grow, Technique remains a crucial asset in our journey, helping us also reduce our environmental footprint while embracing cutting-edge printing technology."

- Mark Roberts, Managing Director, Acorn Web Offset Ltd

Watch the Acorn Web video case study below...

By taking the steps in this article, your print business can lead by example in the push toward a more sustainable printing industry.