Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
house sheet that combines postconsumer recycled content with FSC certified virgin fiber
can be very cost effective and may even eliminate price premiums sometimes associated
with green printing.
Key target areas to focus on when specing ecofriendly printing are paper procurement,
reduction and disposal of waste (both paper and industrial chemicals), minimization of vola-
tile organic compounds (VOCs) released, use of low volatile organic compounds
vegetable oil-based ink, efficient use of materials, and energy sourcing and conservation.
Any printer that advertises green or ecofriendly services should be able to provide both
verbal and written descriptions of how each of these areas is being addressed. To quickly
check how environmentally conscious your printer is, ask whether they have any third-party
environmental certifications (ISO, FSC, etc). Unfortunately, certifications can be expensive
for smaller companies and are only one option for evaluating a printer's performance and
commitment to environmentally preferable processes and materials.
Offset lithography accounts for the vast majority of printed material that is produced and
should be the first area of production targeted by graphic designers who want to improve
their environmental footprints. It is a complicated process that may use toxic or unhealthy
materials, it requires a great deal of energy, and it generates waste that must be properly
disposed of. Fortunately, materials such as vegetable-based inks and citrus-based cleanup
solutions as well as the use of processes such as waterless lithography can mitigate
many of the negative effects of offset printing.
Green Printing Targets
ON-PRESS
FSC OR RECYCLED
PAPER STOCK
LOW VOC PRESS
WASHES AND INKS
SOURCING OF
RENEWABLE ENERGY
SAFE & EQUITABLE
WORK CONDITIONS
POSTPRODUCTION
WATER-BASED GLUES
& VARNISHES
SAFE DISPOSAL OF
INKS & CHEMICALS
DISPOSAL & RECYCLING
OF TRASH & PAPER
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