When it comes to paper and printing, we can all reduce our carbon footprint by doing less of both, perhaps most obviously by using email and other online formats. But the internet is not a silver bullet: electricity is being used not only by computers and other devices but also by all the cables, routers and servers that make the online world exist, so going paper-free is not necessarily carbon-free. And sometimes paper is just better, or even necessary.
Finding environmentally friendly paper is quite easy; sustainable printing less so. Here though are some providers of both.
Recycled paper production uses up to 50% less water than virgin paper and fewer chemical processes, with little if any bleaching required. Eco-craft supplies paper, card and packaging products – the paper and card is made from recycled material collected from households and industry sources. And paper and card brand Cairn Eco Kraft is likewise made from 100% recycled material and its manufacturing process is chlorine- and acid-free.
For external printing services, A Local Printer is waterless and chemical-free, uses recycled boxes for deliveries with biodegradable Eco Flo packaging as an alternative to polyester ‘peanuts’, and it sources recycled paper or paper from sustainably managed forests, printing with vegetable-oil-based inks and eco-friendly toners – and none of its waste is sent to landfill.
If you require lamination, there is an eco-friendly option from Celloglas that is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, being as it is made from plant cellulose. The company also offers sustainable UV varnishes for a glossy printing finish.
For in-house printing, suppliers include The Green Office for stationery, printing technology, ink and toners, etc. The company stocks everything from what it calls Carbon Neutral Printers to plastic-free binding covers and bamboo stationery. Caboodle and Cartridge World both stock sustainable ink and toner made from recycled materials, with the latter pointing out that the cartridge remanufacturing process saves approximately 2.5kg of CO2 per cartridge compared with the production of a new cartridge.
Interested in an alternative to paper? Check out these innovative brands.
When it comes to paper and printing, we can all reduce our carbon footprint by doing less of both, perhaps most obviously by using email and other online formats. But the internet is not a silver bullet: electricity is being used not only by computers and other devices but also by all the cables, routers and servers that make the online world exist, so going paper-free is not necessarily carbon-free. And sometimes paper is just better, or even necessary.
Finding environmentally friendly paper is quite easy; sustainable printing less so. Here though are some providers of both.
Recycled paper production uses up to 50% less water than virgin paper and fewer chemical processes, with little if any bleaching required. Eco-craft supplies paper, card and packaging products – the paper and card is made from recycled material collected from households and industry sources. And paper and card brand Cairn Eco Kraft is likewise made from 100% recycled material and its manufacturing process is chlorine- and acid-free.
For external printing services, A Local Printer is waterless and chemical-free, uses recycled boxes for deliveries with biodegradable Eco Flo packaging as an alternative to polyester ‘peanuts’, and it sources recycled paper or paper from sustainably managed forests, printing with vegetable-oil-based inks and eco-friendly toners – and none of its waste is sent to landfill.
If you require lamination, there is an eco-friendly option from Celloglas that is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, being as it is made from plant cellulose. The company also offers sustainable UV varnishes for a glossy printing finish.
For in-house printing, suppliers include The Green Office for stationery, printing technology, ink and toners, etc. The company stocks everything from what it calls Carbon Neutral Printers to plastic-free binding covers and bamboo stationery. Caboodle and Cartridge World both stock sustainable ink and toner made from recycled materials, with the latter pointing out that the cartridge remanufacturing process saves approximately 2.5kg of CO2 per cartridge compared with the production of a new cartridge.
Interested in an alternative to paper? Check out these innovative brands.