Sustainable printing

Sustainable printing is important because it helps to conserve valuable resources such as paper, water and energy and reduce environmental pollution. By using recycled paper, environmentally friendly printing inks and energy-efficient printing processes, you can actively help to reduce deforestation, CO₂ emissions and pollution.

In addition, sustainable printing supports a responsible circular economy, promotes innovative and environmentally friendly technologies and sets an example for sustainable behaviour. By making conscious choices when printing, you are helping to protect nature and create a future worth living for generations to come.

Impact of printing on the environment and resources

Printing has a significant impact on the environment and resources as it consumes large amounts of paper, water, energy and chemicals.

Paper production contributes to deforestation, which jeopardises the habitat of numerous species and reduces carbon sequestration.

In addition, the production and disposal of printing inks, which often contain solvents and heavy metals, leads to air and water pollution.

Conventional printing processes are energy-intensive and cause high CO₂ emissions, which favour climate change.

By consciously using sustainable materials and technologies, you can actively help to minimise these negative effects and protect the environment.

Sustainable paper

Recycled paper vs. virgin fibre paper

Recycled paper:

• Recycled paper is made from previously used paper fibres that are made usable again through a recycling process. This involves collecting waste paper, removing printing ink and other impurities and reprocessing it into new sheets of paper.

✔ Environmental benefits:

• Saves water and energy, as production requires fewer resources than the manufacture of virgin fibre paper.

• Reduces deforestation as no new wood fibres need to be extracted

• Reduces CO₂ emissions compared to paper production from virgin fibres

• Promotes the circular economy and reduces paper waste

Disadvantages:

• Can have a slightly grey or rough surface, depending on the quality of the reprocessing.

• Is often less resistant than virgin fibre paper.

• Not all recycled papers are suitable for certain printing processes.

Fresh fibre paper:

• Virgin fibre paper is made from new wood fibres extracted from trees. Wood from sustainable forestry is often used here if it is FSC or PEFC-certified is certified.

✔ Advantages:

• Usually has a lighter-coloured and smoother surface, making it particularly suitable for high-quality prints.

• Has greater strength and durability than recycled paper.

• Can be recycled several times before the fibres are too short.

Disadvantages:

• Higher consumption of resources, especially water, energy and wood.

• Can contribute to deforestation and loss of natural ecosystems if not sustainably sourced.

• The manufacturing process causes more CO₂ emissions than recycled paper.

FSC and PEFC certifications

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certifications are two of the world's leading standards for sustainable forestry and responsible paper production.

Both ensure that wood products, including paper, originate from environmentally friendly, socially just and economically viable forestry. FSC sets particularly strict criteria for the protection of ecosystems and indigenous communities, while PEFC takes greater account of national standards and regional circumstances.

By choosing FSC or PEFC-certified paper, you are making an important contribution to the protection of forests and the promotion of sustainable production processes.

Alternative materials (e.g. hemp, bamboo)

Alternative materials such as hemp and bamboo offer sustainable alternatives to conventional paper and help to reduce the environmental impact.

Hemp paper is characterised by its high resilience, as hemp fibres are longer and more robust than wood fibres. In addition, hemp grows quickly, requires little water and does not require pesticides.

Bamboo paper is also an environmentally friendly choice, as bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants and its regenerative ability ensures a constant supply.

Both materials are biodegradable, require fewer chemicals to process and help reduce deforestation. By using hemp and bamboo paper, you can support a resource-saving and sustainable printing method.

Environmentally friendly printing inks

Solvent-free and plant-based inks

Traditional printing inks often contain petroleum-based solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and thus contribute to air pollution. Solvent-free inks dispense with these harmful chemicals and ensure lower-emission production.

Plant-based printing inks, which are made from renewable raw materials such as soya, linseed or rapeseed oil, are a particularly sustainable alternative. They are biodegradable, reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and have a lower environmental impact.

Mineral oil-free printing inks

Many conventional printing inks contain mineral oils, which are obtained from crude oil and have a long-term negative impact on the environment.

Mineral oil-free inks use vegetable or other environmentally friendly alternatives instead and are therefore more sustainable.

A significant advantage of these inks is that they are more suitable for paper recycling as they leave behind fewer problematic substances that could complicate the recycling process.

The importance of low-pollutant inks for the environment and health

Low-pollutant printing inks play a decisive role in protecting the environment and health. They contain fewer toxic chemicals, minimise air and water pollution and reduce health risks for people who regularly work with printing inks. They also support sustainable production processes by reducing emissions and improving the recyclability of printed paper.

By using environmentally friendly printing inks, you can actively contribute to sustainable and responsible printing.

Energy-efficient printing technologies

• Modern printing technologies increasingly rely on energy-efficient processes to minimise the consumption of resources. Waterless offset printing, for example, enables a reduction in chemical waste as it does not require dampening solution. Thermal printers are also particularly energy-efficient as they do not require ink or toner and have fewer moving parts. Advanced control systems and pressure sensors also help to optimise the consumption of ink, paper and energy in real time.

Digital printing vs. offset printing: environmental aspects

• Digital printing is considered one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional printing processes, as it does not require complex prepress stages and therefore uses fewer materials. It also enables targeted colour application, which means less ink is required. Offset printing, on the other hand, offers greater colour brilliance and detail, but is associated with higher energy consumption. Offset printing can be more economical, especially for large print runs, while digital printing is more advantageous for smaller quantities and personalised prints.

Reducing waste and chemicals in the printing process

• Sustainable printing processes rely on environmentally friendly materials such as recycled paper, compostable printing substrates and plant-based inks. The use of water-based varnishes reduces the impact of chemical waste. 3D printing technologies also contribute to sustainability as they minimise material waste and only use the required amount of printing material. Companies benefit from shorter supply chains and more efficient utilisation of the raw materials used.

More conscious use of paper and colours

Sustainable printing starts with the conscious use of paper. Recycled paper is an environmentally friendly alternative to virgin fibre paper as it requires less water and energy in production. Using paper on both sides also helps to reduce consumption. Choosing environmentally friendly printing inks that are plant-based or water-soluble also minimises exposure to chemicals.

Digital alternatives and paperless working

Digitalisation offers numerous opportunities to reduce paper consumption. Electronic document management systems enable files to be stored and processed efficiently, often making printouts superfluous. Digital signatures can also replace physical documents and reduce the administrative burden. Companies that opt for paperless processes benefit from improved organisation and lower costs.

Choose sustainable print service providers

If you still need to print, you should opt for sustainable print shops. Many providers use climate-neutral printing processes, rely on ecological inks and use energy-efficient machines. Certificates such as the Blue Angel or FSC help to identify environmentally friendly print service providers. There are also print-on-demand services that only print on demand and thus avoid overproduction.

Printing with responsibility: your contribution to sustainability

Every printout counts. In a world where resources are limited and the environment suffers from our consumption, you can actively contribute to reducing your ecological footprint by printing more consciously.

• Choose sustainable paper - recycled paper or certified materials protect forests and reduce waste.

• Use environmentally friendly inks - plant-based, pollutant-free printing inks protect nature and health.

• Use optimised printing processes - Digital alternatives, energy-efficient printing processes and less waste are the key.

Every little step counts. Join in and leave a positive impression - not on paper, but for our future. Print with responsibility!