If you’re like us, you do your best to do right by the planet. We’ve set goals for being an environmentally conscious business, and we help other businesses do the same.
The print industry has a bad rap when it comes to caring for the planet. Print marketing is sometimes viewed as a “waste of trees” when so much can be done digitally now. We beg to differ. Print is a powerfully effective form of communication, and paper is a highly sustainable material option in terms of recyclability and reforestation. (When done right, that is.)
How do you know if your print project is being produced in the greenest way possible? YellowDog can give you guidance. If you’re working toward environmental goals or certifications, let’s talk about these three things to keep in mind.
Look for High Percent Post-Consumer Waste (PCW)
All of YellowDog’s paper stocks are transparent about their percent post-consumer waste (PCW) — the percent of fiber that is sourced from recycled paper. The EPA recommends that procuring agencies establish a standard of at least 30% post-consumer fiber content when sourcing paper products.
YellowDog’s stock papers cover the full spectrum of percent post-consumer waste content. We can help you meet the EPA standard of 30% PCW. Or, if you’re ready to take your PCW commitment to the highest level possible, we can connect you with 100% PCW paper in either natural or white finish.
Ask Us About Forest Stewardship Council (FCS) Certified Paper
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization established in 1993 that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC certified paper products meet the world’s most stringent environmental, ethical, and economic sourcing standards.
When we’re sourcing our paper at YellowDog, we always look for the FCS certification. Much of our stock paper is also Rainforest Alliance certified or Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified. This ensures that all the paper we use comes from responsible sources.
Go With Eco-Solvent Printer Inks
When choosing our large-format printers at YellowDog, we made sure to choose eco-solvent ink compatibility. Eco-solvent inks have their colors suspended in a mild biodegradable solvent, which means that the ink has virtually no odor as they don’t contain as many volatile organic compounds.
Our small-format Xerox printers use recyclable toners. This means we can de-ink and recycle our cartridges, which are part of a closed system of cartridges.
Keep It Recyclable With Paper
When you’re setting green standards for your print projects, you’ll want to think about where the print pieces came from and ALSO where they’re going. We aim to keep as many of our projects out of the dumpsters and as single-stream recyclable as possible. This means they can be recycled through standard recycling systems.
Three tips for keeping your print pieces easy-to-recycle:
- Avoid synthetic finishes such as wax coatings or foil coatings. Our Iridesse metallic ink printer offers a great recyclable alternative to foil leafing.
- Avoid tissue paper and shredded paper in your product packaging. Neither can be easily recycled.
- Choose paper rather than vinyl or foam for larger indoor signage. We’ve sourced a number of paper-based options that are 100% recyclable.
by YellowDog.