Enviromentally Friendly Printing
Making a Difference for Our Planet

Recently I was asked to speak to a senior graphic design class at a local Boston college. The college emphasizes environmentally friendly policies and would like the students to have a better understanding of how to meet their internal targets while at the same time demonstrating a respect for the earth’s resources. Since this is a subject of interest for many, I thought it might be a subject to explore in our monthly newsletter.

So what does green printing mean to marketers? Going green with your marketing material is a socially, environmentally, and resource responsible approach to producing printed materials. It encompasses more than just using recycled paper and ink.

The good news is that marketing professionals and the industries associated with producing printed materials have become more and more proactive and systematic about making green marketing a reality. Ongoing efforts to develop certifications and verifications for green products used in the purchasing of paper and the production of printed materials has taken much of the guesswork out of making environmentally-friendly choices, and gives us a way to let our customers know our commitment to the environment.

Producing materials at green-certified facilities is a way that buyers and manufacturers can do their part to lower the impact on the environment. For marketers, it is a way to encourage more printers to take the necessary steps to become certified plants and support the planet. For manufacturing companies seeking to reduce their impact on the ecosystem, it begins with purchasing that rewards responsible forestry practices and follows up with sustainable manufacturing. As for print facilities, many have already gone through the certification process, which incorporates a variety of strategies and techniques to reduce their plant’s footprint on the environment. The certification process is long, and many standards must be met. Examples are purchasing environmentally friendly papers, formulating inks to minimize environmental impact, responsible sourcing of ink, paper and solvents and energy efficiency and pollution prevention, to name just a few.