| Home | Best Practices | Resources | History | Certifying |
| Sustainable Printing YouTube Clip | World's Oldest Printers Go Green |
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| PLANNING | PRODUCTION | INKS & FINISHING | PRINTING | LOGO USE | OTHER |
| Consider recycled or chlorine free paper Consider FSC or SFI certified paper Buy paper from a source using sustainable energy in production Plan ahead to avoid air and rush shipping If piece is being mailed, work with client to use only clean, updated mailing lists |
Advise customers to carefully target their audience to maximize print effectiveness and reduce waste Maximize long-term value with useful, multipurpose design If the printed piece isn't reusable, ensure that it is recyclable Use digital photography Use PDF digital proofs in place of paper printouts Use water-based direct-to-plate plating system (CTP) |
Consider vegetable-based inks Consider less ink coverage or fewer ink colors Consider using aqueous varnishes and coatings instead of UV coatings and laminates Consider alternatives to foil stamping Consider water-based glues |
Become an FSC or SGP certified printer (see Certifying ) Get involved with the client in the planning stages of a project Consider filmless and plateless digital printing for small runs Communicate clearly and have an eye for detail to avoid mistakes and redos At project close, recap with client and vendors to learn from successes or failures |
Use recycled logo when applicable and indicate Post Consumer Waste (PCW) content Use FSC and SFI Logos according to guidelines Note vegetable ink use Note if wind power or other green energy was used in either the production process or the production of the raw materials Note if paper used was processed chlorine free Check with your paper supplier for ideas regarding certification marks and logos |
Use energy saver features on computer and copier equipment Draft an official company environmental policy and include sustainability language in your companies mission statement Buy or lease or only machinery certified under EPA Energy Star guidelines Institute an office recycling program Set office copiers to defaut to double-sided copying Use silverware and mugs in your office breakroom Donate unused paper and old office equipment to schools Shake toner cartridges occasionally to lengthen life |