How To Choose An Option For Brochure Printing That Is Eco Friendly

By Christopher Bailey


As you plan on setting up your business think of ways in which you can reduce its negative impact on the environment as much as possible. If you have a pre-existing one, there are a number of adjustments which can be made to achieve the same. Bear in mind customers are now favoring products causing the least environmental damage. Brochure printing that is eco friendly can be achieved in a number of ways.

One of the most important areas you need to consider is the type of ink being used in your firm. The traditional types are derived from petroleum products. The problem with these types is that when they are exposed to the atmosphere, they result in the formation of smog which in turn reduces visibility and is also a known trigger for asthmatic attacks. Soy-based alternative inks are a way better option.

The other area which a business needs to consider carefully is the type of paper being used in the form. The two main options that exist are virgin and recycled paper. Virgin paper is that which is derived from trees directly which means it is a direct contributor of deforestation. As the name suggests, recycled paper is derived from paper which has been used before.

Water should be recycled as much as possible. Efficiently run firms have been shown to recycle as much as 65% of the water they receive in the first cycle of printing. The economic benefits associated with this process are tremendous. Ensure also the effluent released into the environment is well treated to avoid destabilizing the water ecosystem.

Petroleum based energy sources are among the leading causes of emissions into the environment. A suitable printing firm should ensure the energy used is kept at the minimum. Whenever possible the petroleum based sources should be replaced by renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. Re-evaluate your equipment regularly to ensure that you get the maximum output for every unit of electricity used.

There are two main printer types one can choose from. The analogue printer has been in existence for many years. While the cost per page is quite low, other costs such as those associated with making printing plates eventually inflate it. The digital printer is fairly new and is quickly replacing the analogue type. In spite of the higher per page printing cost, the quality of brochures is better.

The design of the brochure will also determine as to whether you will make your contribution towards environmental conservation or not. Stick to the main message and provide references elsewhere for those who would like more information. This will ensure you use as little paper as possible. Apart from helping in conservation of the environment, this will also help cut down on production costs.

Implementing sustainable brochure printing requires that one looks at all the areas of the supply chain. These range from suppliers of raw materials, the production of brochures and the delivery of the finished product to the consumer. The guiding principle should be to minimize wastage of natural resources and to eliminate processes causing environmental degradation.




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