A simple guide to sustainable printing

1

Choose sustainable paper

• Recycled paper: Made from paper that’s already been used
• Virgin paper from sustainable sources (FSC, PEFC, or other certification) comes from responsibly and sustainably managed forests
• Carbon-balanced paper: Helps offset the carbon emissions from paper production
• Tip: Recycled paper is excellent, but sometimes virgin paper uses less energy. Paper is made from natural, renewable, and
  recyclable materials, so check what works best for your project

2

Pick eco-friendly inks

• Vegetable or soy-based inks: Kinder to the planet and easier to recycle
• Skip metallic and UV coatings – they can enhance the look and feel, but can stop paper from being recycled

3

Print smart

• Print double-sided – cuts paper consumption in half
• Optimise layouts – e.g., A3 folded to A4 gives more space for your message than an A4+A5, without using more paper
• Avoid big, ink-heavy designs – use contrast and visuals to grab attention instead

4

Partner with sustainable printers

• Check for ISO 14001 certification
• Ask if they are a carbon-neutral or positive business
• Ask if they have additional accreditations such as B Corp status, or have an Ecovadis rating
• Review their waste and recycling policies – do these align?

5

Be smart with targeting

• Use data to send print only to the right audience
• Segment your audience – smaller, more relevant brochures get read
• Insist on a PDF proof to approve before printing

6

Rethink the reply envelope

• For charities: Could the envelope be incorporated into a leaflet to save paper and processes?
• As some audiences will more likely respond online, skipping it can save print, postage, and admin costs
• Encourage online response with QR codes and easy links

7

Easier recycling

• Avoid or reduce lamination or other finishes where possible, making the paper more easily recycled. (However, additional finishes may also help prolong the life of the product)
• Remove staples or bindings before recycling
• Encourage reuse – can your print live on as something else?

8

Shipping and distribution impacts

• Consider the entire journey of your print: sourcing, production, distribution, and disposal
• Choose suppliers with sustainability certifications across the supply chain
• Print closer to where materials will be distributed to reduce transport emissions

9

Plan print volumes carefully

• Avoid over-ordering by using past data or testing smaller runs
• Print-on-demand is ideal for small or niche campaigns
• Leave time in your schedule for feedback to reduce the risk of reprints

10

Understand print vs digital

• Digital isn’t necessarily more sustainable — weigh up the carbon footprint of both
• Printing can be more effective and stays in the home for longer
• Use print and digital together strategically for best results

11

Tell them it’s sustainable

• Include logos or statements that show your materials are sustainable (e.g. FSC, PEFC, Carbon Balanced, etc)
• Let people know why you made sustainable choices — it builds trust
• Tools such as PrintGreen (printgreen.org) allow to brands to make print and mail campaigns more sustainable through carbon calculator tools and best practice guidance

12

Test new materials

• Trial uncoated stocks as an alternative to coated, where appropriate
• Trial new paper stocks and inks to ensure they look and feel right before you go to print at volume
• Ask your printer to help you test before committing to a large run
• Start small and build confidence in more sustainable formats