1. Sustainability has definitely been a buzz word for few years now but what does it actually mean when you are thinking about printing. Sustainability as a definition is the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level and when it comes to the environment, it’s ensuring we don’t deplete our natural and physical resources. When it comes to printing, to be more sustainable we need to look for ways to reduce the negative impact on the environment whilst ensuring your jobs are still economically viable. It can be a little complicated so we’ve decided to simplify it and pick out 5 ways you can be more sustainable and highlight the ways we are more sustainable so you have the confidence knowing we are doing all we can to reduce the impact on our much-loved natural environment.

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  2. 1. Opt for digital printing over litho

    First a quick and simple lesson in printing - we offer two types of printing – digital and litho. Litho printing is done through very large machines which use wet ink and printing plates. This is typically used for large print jobs such a big brochures and prospectuses. It allows you to be more creative with your print jobs as you can use specialist printing techniques such as special or spot inks. Digital printing on the other hand uses toners and is a bit like your small officer printer but on a slightly larger scale. Typically digital printing is used for smaller print jobs which we can turn around quickly. Digital printing produces less waste of chemicals and materials so you are producing less carbon emissions. A tick for sustainability! NB – although digital print is more sustainable than litho, we continually review ways our litho print jobs can be more sustainable through reducing waste, avoiding glues and plastics amongst other things.

  1. 2. Pick recycled paper

    When considering your next print job, we can provide you with a range of quotes to cover all the paper types we offer. This includes recycled and recyclable paper. Did you know two thirds of paper is now recycled making it one of the most recycled materials in the world? Paper is more sustainable than you think. Here’s a little more information on that which you might like to read.

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  1. 3. Choose eco-friendly inks

    There are a range of different inks available and water-based inks, soy-based or vegetable-based ink are more sustainable.

  1. 4. Ensure you work with eco-friendly printing businesses

    Look for printers who source paper from suppliers with FSC and PEFC certification and who are affiliated to programmes such as the Carbon Capture Programme. This initiative creates new native woodland in the UK through the Woodland Trust and Woodland Carbon Scheme. Find out more.

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  1. 5. Recycle, recycle, recycle

    Ok this may be a simple one but don’t forget to recycle the paper you use. You can also recycle any packaging you receive and other items such as printer cartridges.

  1. We’ve talked through the ways you can be more sustainable with your print jobs but we are also working hard behind the scenes to be more sustainable now and in the future. At Prontaprint, we are committed to leading the print industry in minimising the impact of our activities on the environment and making sure our day-to-day operations are more sustainable. 

  1. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we are doing to ensure we reduce the impact on the environment:

    • We recycle – not only the paper and cardboard waste but also parts of our digital presses are either refurbished or recycled. Toner cartridges are also recycled.
    • We look for low energy and energy saving devices wherever possible. For example all our lighting is low energy.
    • We purchase paper from suppliers with FSC and PEFC certification, and strive to use paper with a post-consumer waste content.
    • Wherever possible, we look to source raw materials, products and services from companies with sound environmental credentials.
    • We’ve reduced our plastic packaging.
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  1. We feel passionately about ensuring our business is more sustainable and continually review our procurement, storage, distribution, product development and production so that we can reduce the impact of what we do on the environment. Have a read of some of our other blogs on sustainability and if you’d like to know more get in touch today