The print industry has always been more environmentally conscious than people think, and especially in recent years, it has been developing new standards and processes to help protect the earth.Ìý

Here are some of the changes we’ve been seeing in the print industry that are cutting emissions and contributing to a better future for all:

Ethical Sourcing: A Renewable Supply

One of the biggest misconceptions about the print industry is that natural, historic forests are being cut down to create paper. In reality, paper trees are planted and grown, like a crop, to create a steady, renewable supply. Once these trees are cut down to make paper, the stumps are left to feed the local flora and fauna, and new trees begin to grow through replanting and natural regeneration.Ìý

Recycled Paper: Reducing Waste

Paper is the cornerstone of printing, so it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Many printing companies make a point to offer recycled paper options to their customers, derived from previously used paper. These efforts not only reduce demand for virgin trees, but also require less water and energy during production.

At É«ÇéÂÛ̳, we incorporate recycled material into our printing process whenever possible. For example, all the boards used to make hardcover book covers are made with recycled materials. In addition, most of our packaging is made with recycled fiber which incorporates at least 35% post-consumer material.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Paper

As an alternative to recycled paper, É«ÇéÂÛ̳ offers Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified options. FSC is an organization dedicated to ensuring responsible forest management. By choosing FSC-certified paper, you contribute to sustainable forestry practices that protect ecosystems and wildlife for future generations.

Vegetable-Based Inks: A Biodegradable Alternative

Historically, printing inks relied on petroleum-based ingredients, which are not renewable and are difficult to dispose of in a sustainable way. Many printing companies, including É«ÇéÂÛ̳, offer vegetable oil-based inks as a more sustainable solution.Ìý

Derived from renewable resources like soybeans, corn and other vegetables, these inks are biodegradable, meaning they decompose naturally after use, minimizing environmental impact and making them easy to recycle. Additionally, these inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, resulting in lower overall emissions.

Waste Reduction: Recycling To Minimizing Footprint

Waste minimization is another pillar of sustainable printing. The print industry has made strides in promoting responsible recycling practices. Special care is taking during the printing process to recycle paper, packaging and printing plates so these materials can be reused in future prints.Ìý

É«ÇéÂÛ̳ alone recycles nearly 1 million pounds of aluminum and 30 million pounds of paper and fiber-based products annually. Our manufacturing experts are always looking for new opportunities to recycle and incorporate recycled materials in the printing process.

Energy Efficiency: Powering a Sustainable Future

Energy consumption is another area targeted by the print industry’s sustainability efforts. Across the supply chain and through production, companies are committed to finding new ways to reduce energy waste. For example, our major paper supplier has developed generated during the papermaking process, using it to help power their plant and heat nearby communities.

The Results Are In!

We’re proud to say that these environmental efforts are proving effective. Over the past 10 years, our efforts to create a greener operation have led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions. However, that doesn’t mean our work is done. É«ÇéÂÛ̳’s experts are always working to find cleaner, more efficient processes to minimize our environmental impact and protect our planet.

Why Partner with É«ÇéÂÛ̳ for Sustainable Printing?

Choosing É«ÇéÂÛ̳ as your printing partner means more than just creating high-quality printed materials. You’re partnering with a company dedicated to sustainability. We provide a diverse range of eco-friendly options, encompassing paper, inks and printing equipment. We continuously innovate and explore new avenues to minimize our environmental impact.

If you’re looking for a printing partner that aligns with your values, É«ÇéÂÛ̳ is ready to help create your next project. Contact us today to explore our sustainable printing practices and how we can help you achieve your printing goals while safeguarding the environment. Together, let’s print a future that’s bright, sustainable and filled with vibrant possibilities.

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Sourcing Trees Responsibly

Most of our paper comes from forests in the Great Lakes region in Northern Michigan. The remainder is harvested ethically from responsibly managed forests in other parts of the world. Each harvested tree provides enough paper for roughly 8,000 sheets. After harvesting, tree stumps are left to nourish the ecosystem, and new trees grow through replanting and natural regeneration.

Energy-Efficient Paper Production

Once they reach the paper mill, the logs are shredded and transformed into pulp, the foundation for our paper. Any water used in the pulp-making process is reused before being returned to nearby waterways. Additionally, these paper mills strategically reuse excess heat generated during processing, improving energy efficiency.

Reducing Emissions During Transport

Whenever possible, we choose rail transportation for our paper shipments, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to road freight. By sourcing the majority of our paper from the continental United States, we reduce the need for large-scale overseas transportation, further reducing energy use and emissions.

Sustainable Printing Practices

Our commitment to eco-friendly printing starts with low-emission press equipment. Aluminum printing plates, meticulously laser-etched for each project, are recycled after use. Furthermore, we use vibrant vegetable-based inks that are safer for the environment and easier to recycle than traditional petroleum-based inks.

We’re proud to say our hard work is paying off. Between 2010 and 2020, our efforts to create a greener operation led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions.

Minimizing Waste

The bindery department prioritizes waste reduction by reusing and recycling leftover materials from both the printing and binding processes. É«ÇéÂÛ̳ recycles nearly 30 million pounds of paper and other fiber-based products annually. Even our hardcover book covers are crafted with recycled materials.

Sustainable Packaging

The final step – packaging your finished product – emphasizes sustainability as well. The material we use to package and distribute our products is made from recycled fibers with at least 35% post-consumer content. This approach minimizes our environmental footprint and contributes to our efforts toward responsible resource management.

A Legacy of Environmental Responsibility

As a family-owned company with over 87 years of experience, É«ÇéÂÛ̳ is dedicated to sustainable practices. We believe high-quality printing and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. By embracing eco-friendly solutions throughout the printing process, we aim to fulfill our customers’ printing needs while contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

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