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The print industry is one of the most important sectors in the world, providing information, communication, education, entertainment, and marketing services to billions of people. However, the print industry also faces a major challenge: how to remain sustainable in the face of environmental issues such as deforestation, climate change, pollution, and waste.
Where Are We Currently?
According to the United Nations, as many as three planets’ worth of resources may be required to sustain our current lifestyles when the population reaches 9.7 billion by 2050. This sobering statistic is part of the data gathered for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that began in 2015. Today, we understand how important it is for everyone to do their part in making sure they conserve the planet for future generations (cue Greta Thunberg).
The print industry is no exception. Sustainability has been more than just a buzzword in the last few years. Innovations and re-examinations have created several changes to make processes and products more sustainable in the print industry. Understanding these sustainable green printing solutions will help businesses steer their enterprise into more responsible paths.
Let's explore what sustainability means for the print industry, why it's important, and how Aura Print is leading the way in providing eco-friendly printing solutions for you, our customers and to stay keen on green.
What is Sustainability in the Print Industry?
Sustainability in the print industry means access to and use of natural resources to fulfill economic, domestic and commercial needs while preserving them for future generations. In the print industry, several avenues for sustainability exist, including the materials for packaging and products, environmentally friendly printing equipment used for printing, the printing process itself, and the management of waste.
Some Recent Innovations That Help Us To Print Green
Recycled paper: This type of paper uses paper that has already been used and processed, reducing the need for fresh trees, and saving water and energy in the production process. Recycled paper can be used for various printing purposes, such as tags, business cards, and banners.
FSC paper: This type of paper is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international not-for-profit organization that ensures the sourcing of paper is sustainable. The FSC assesses forest management agencies using 10 rules, which include the impact deforestation has on both the workers and those who live indigenously in the forest or the land around it. FSC paper is indistinguishable from normal paper and can be used for high-quality printing.
Eco-ink: This type of ink is made from natural or renewable sources, such as soy, vegetable, or algae. Eco-ink reduces the use of petroleum-based products, which are harmful to the environment and human health. Eco-ink also produces less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are pollutants that contribute to smog and respiratory problems. Eco-ink can be used for various printing methods, such as digital, litho, and wide-format printing.
Greener Printers: This type of equipment is designed to minimize the environmental impact of printing, such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, noise, and waste. Eco-friendly printing equipment can include features such as energy-saving modes, automatic duplexing, low-temperature fusing, and eco-friendly toner cartridges. Forest first printing equipment can also be integrated with software that monitors and optimizes printing performance and efficiency.
Why is Making Print Eco-Friendly So Important?
Sustainability in the print industry is important for several reasons, such as:
Environmental benefits: By adopting sustainable printing practices, the print industry can reduce its negative impact on the environment, such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and waste generation. This can help preserve the natural resources and biodiversity that are essential for life on Earth.
Economic benefits: By adopting sustainable printing practices, the print industry can also save costs and increase profits, such as by reducing energy and material consumption, improving efficiency and productivity, and enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction. According to Forbes, in many places around the globe, companies can take advantage of tax credits and financial incentives when they become more sustainable.
Social benefits: By adopting sustainable printing practices, the print industry can also improve its social responsibility and reputation, such as by supporting the well-being and rights of the workers and communities involved in the printing supply chain, complying with the ethical and legal standards and regulations, and meeting the expectations and demands of the modern consumers. According to a survey, 66% of respondents and 75% of Millennial respondents consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions.
How is Aura Print Being An Advocate In Sustainable Printing?
We consider ourselves one of the strongest eco-friendly printing companies that offer a range of printing products and services, such as greeting cards, banners, brochures, booklets, and much more. Aura Print is also committed to being one of the most eco-friendly printers in the UK, by implementing the following sustainable printing solutions:
Aura Print uses recycled paper and FSC paper for its printing products, ensuring that the paper is sourced from responsible and sustainable sources. Aura Print also offers a large selection of quality papers, styles, and colors, giving its customers the flexibility and choice to suit their needs and preferences.
Where possible, we use eco-ink for its printing products, ensuring that the ink is made from natural or renewable sources and produces less harmful emissions and waste. Aura Print also uses the latest printing technology and equipment and eco-friendly printing services, ensuring that the printing process is efficient, accurate, and consistent whilst remaining as good to the environment as possible.
We’re not only a printing service, but also a printing partner that values the environment and our customers. By choosing Aura Print, you can be assured that you are getting the best printing products and services, while also doing your part in making the world a greener and better place - smiles all round!
