7 Ways the Printing Industry is Saving the Planet

All businesses generate waste; it’s just the way it is. But at a time when our planet’s natural resources are disappearing faster than the credibility of Kanye West, waste reduction is critical.

Most people consider the printing industry to be very wasteful, uneconomical, and bad for the environment, but this is not the case. Need a little convincing? Here are 7 solid reasons why the printing industry is not as wasteful as you think.

#1 – Remanufactured Ink Cartridges.

To prevent masses of plastic ink cartridges ending up on a landfill somewhere, most printing businesses and manufacturers offer and encourage remanufactured ink cartridges. Essentially recycled, or made using pre-loved cartridge components, these little beauties are economical and good for the environment.

#2 – Greener Paper.

Most printing businesses use recycled paper made with sustainable materials, or ‘tree free’ alternatives such as sheets made from cereal straw pulp. This means that the Earth’s natural resources aren’t being stretched, the paper can be manufactured again after use, and whole forests don’t have to perish just so people can print volumes of documents.

#3 – Regular Waste Assessment.

No matter what sector of the business they operate in, those in the printing industry are very serious about waste management and regularly assess where the majority of their waste is coming from. For example, if faulty printer components are causing a lot of dud documents, which in turn is wasting valuable ink, they will ensure all machines are immediately checked and serviced to prevent any more unnecessary loss and waste.

#4 – The DMA Standard.

Not long ago, The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) launched a guideline for businesses to run their campaigns in the most sustainable way possible – and those printing out masses of newsletters or brochures abide by these rules. This guideline covers a broad range of topics, from which laminate plastic to order right the way through to printing economics.

#5 – Eco-friendly Ink.

More and more businesses within the printing industry are using eco-friendly ink to run their day to day operations. Made either using a greener manufacturing process and/or natural ingredients, these eco-friendly inks are good for the environment, meaning if there is any wastage, it is much less severe. Eco-friendly inks include Hybrid Ink and Soy Based Ink.

#6 – Double-sided Documents.

Printing companies who work with individuals or businesses on projects, both large and small, will actively encourage their clients to print on both sides of the paper (unless a one sided print is absolutely necessary), to avoid colossal amounts of paper wastage.

#7 – Non-toxic Colored Ink.

Toxic ink is usually made of heavy-duty products that are damaging to the environment and cause an unnecessary strain on natural resources. The majority of manufacturers and printing business use non-toxic, natural alternatives for their stocks of colored ink, which is – you guessed it – a lot greener!

So next time you think the printing industry is one giant waste machine, think again. There are probably more businesses in the printing industry who are more environmentally-conscious than in others.

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