The print media industry has a responsibility to lessen its environmental impact. Fortunately, rapidly developing green technology allows publishers to use renewable resources, limit greenhouse emissions and eliminate steps of the publishing process altogether.
We at SustainPrint believe that sustaining our world is vital to our future. Our goal is to provide print businesses the resources they need to "green" their printing and publishing processes. We also aim to educate those searching for large-quantity printing services; choose a publisher with environmental credentials to make the world a better place.
Read about what's going on in the sustainable printing & publishing industry.
March 17, 2011: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative released a new forest certification standard in support of responsible forest management. The SFI will be conducting an 18-month public review which will revise the new SFI 2010-2014 Standard.
Some of the areas of focus include: embracing the Lacey Act amendments which prohibit illegal logging, expansion of requirements for logger training and improving conservation of biodiversity. It will also address emerging issues such as climate change and bioenergy.
The Standard is based on 14 core principles that encourage sustainable forest management. Its measures protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests with exceptional conservation value.
March 3, 2011: Indianapolis-based Fineline Printing Group has reported increased profits every year since its founding in 1981. In spite of various difficulties facing Fineline, notably the current financial markets crash that has spiralled the US into an economic tailspin, they have found a way to succeed.
Richard Miller, the CEO of Fineline and a native of Argentina who moved to the United States when he was only 16, ended up epitomizing the American Dream. Miller has spent the past 28 years building up his commercial printing business in Indianapolis after starting with only a small SBA loan and $13,000 in savings.
Today, Fineline Printing Group operates in a 56,000 square-foot facility, has over 50 employees and generates $12 million dollars a year in revenue. The business specializes in producing brochures, pamphlets, display graphics, promotional products, marketing materials, posters and more.
February 24, 2011: At PRINT '10, The Print Council released a report that lists 10 reasons that print media is an environmentally responsible communications medium.
Titled "Why Print Is Green," the new report details several ways in which print is green. It touches on the use of responsible products, the sourcing of renewable energy, an increase in recycling rates and improved design and delivery methods. The report will be used by printers and designers to demonstrate to their customers why print media is an environmentally friendly choice as a communication medium.
"Why Print Is Green" was conceived, reviewed and produced responsibly with the help of multiple Print Council partners, including Sappi, NewPage, International Paper, IWCO Direct, Heidelberg USA, The John Roberts Co. and NAK Marketing.
January 16, 2011: It only makes sense that the southeastern region of the Evergreen State would maintain a green state of mind.
WSU's University Publishing office has recently established its own sustainability program, which encourages responsible usage of paper and other printing resources. Nor would it be unusual for the publishing agency to garner support from customers and colleagues on campus.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has awarded University Publishing chain-of-custody certification, which confirms the in-plant's correct use of FSC-certified paper and allows WSU to use the FSC logo on print materials.