When the worlds trying to go green with its practices, the print industry is not far behind. Every step in the printing process has environmental implications. The paper used leaves forests barren, the inks use up water, once lodged on the paper, they make the paper non bio degradable, the amount of energy used up by the printer, the amount of toxic waste generated as a by product also post printing processes like cutting, laminating, foil stamping etc
Hence there are ways in which one can green their printing. The following are a few ways:
Paper options: Post consumer waste, chlorine free, uncoated paper.
Ink Options: Inks with Low Volatile Organic Compound/Chemical VOCs, vegetable or soy based inks as opposed to petroleum based inks, safer pantone shades.
Waterless printing: An offset lithographic printing process that eliminates the water or dampening system used in conventional printing. It uses silicone rubber coated printing plates and specially formulated inks, and typically a temperature-control system is integrated into waterless presses.
Printers: Using printers that eliminate intermediary processes, saving energy. Eg: digital printing
Post Printing: choosing standard paper sizes in order to avoid cutting and wastage of paper. Organising design in such a way that it reduces usage of foil stamping, lamination etc.
Also there are sertifications awarded to printing houses that use eco friendly methods.
Out of all the prnting houses I got in touch with, Pragati was the the quickest to get back with very helpful information. Pragati is certified FSC & PEFC Printing House. They have been doing Green printing since more than a year.
They have special ink and papers available to get Green print jobs.
In papers as on date in India many suppliers keeping stock of FSC certified and Recycled papers in various gsm and sizes. They use inks with Soya based oil only and not mineral oil base.
Although I had read about FSC and PEFC online, I wasn’t sure if it was I could find many of those prevalent in India.
I will soon be heading to Pragati to understand better their processes, but till then there are a few standards and certification systems to munch on.
What is FSC and PEFC certification?
Chain of Custody certification, like FSC or PEFC, provides assurance that paper-based products are sourced from responsible and well managed sources, minimizing environmental impacts.
What advantages will it give me?
By becoming certified, printers are choosing an internationally-recognised system of certification which not only saves forests, protects wildlife habitats and protects the rights of local communities worldwide, but also demonstrates a proactive and innovative attitude to the sourcing and promotion of sustainable paper products.
It will help win new business from the growing demand of customers focused on sustainable procurement, and looking to minimize their environmental impacts.
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