Businesses are still dependent on printing for some items. They need packaging for products. They need to print pick slips and postage labels. Why does sustainable printing matter? Does it impact the environment and in what ways?
What is the environmental impact of printing?
The obvious impact of printing is the use of paper. Paper that is made from trees contributes to deforestation. In 2023, almost half of UK businesses were still using a paper filing system (FMJ). Kyocera estimates that UK workers use 1,125 pieces of paper a year on average (Business Info Mag).
Ink and toners contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), heavy metals and non-renewable oils (WiZiX Tech). The cartridges, which are made from polymer plastics, also end up in landfill. Despite the fact that manufacturers offer recycling services.
The production of paper, inks and printing all use energy. If this is not clean renewable energy it contributes to carbon emissions. Traditional offset printing methods use more energy than digital printing methods.
How to find a sustainable printer
If you are printing in-house at your business, look for a sustainable printer brand. Brands like Epson create energy efficient printers that can use plant based eco-friendly inks in recycled cartridges.
If you are looking for a sustainable printer to print packaging, labels or marketing materials for your business there are a few things to look for.
Find a sustainable printer that:
Uses recycled materials – Commercial printers can offer recycled paper to print on. Find reviews for the quality of the recycled paper used to be sure it prints well. Using 1 ton of recycled paper saves 16 trees and reduces emissions by 75% over virgin paper (West Lothian Council PDF).
Uses eco-friendly inks – Look for a commercial printer that offers eco-friendly inks. These can be plant based or non-toxic and water soluble. Again, it pays to check the reviews for the quality of the print using these inks. If you need to, request a sample before a larger print run.
Uses renewable energy – Commercial printers, like all businesses can choose to buy energy from renewable sources like solar or wind power. Even better if they have installed solar panels on their factory premises.
Reduces paper wastage – Look for a commercial printer that ensures as little paper waste as possible and recycles paper waste.
Eco-Craft, part of our Blue Patch community, is a good example of a sustainable printer. They supply paper stationery and cardboard boxing solutions for businesses using 100% recycled materials whenever possible. They aim to be plastic free and provide compostable bags, sheets, sleeves, labels and stickers. They also don’t use animal based pigments or adhesives.
Sustainable printing
If you would like your business to be more eco-friendly, choose sustainable printing. Even if your business needs to use printed materials, paper and cardboard, there are environmentally friendly options. Find a sustainable printer that uses recycled paper & card, reduces waste, uses clean energy, and prints with eco-friendly inks.
If your business wants to find better ways to be more sustainable, join Blue Patch and benefit from our free net zero training and community knowledge.
