19th July 2007
Have you considered putting an environmental tag line on your catalogue or magazine?
There are two main components involved – the first is the paper, and the second is the actual printing process.
The paper is an important component. We recommend papers to our clients that are produced by mills that have either FSC or PEFC certification ensuring supply of timber from sustainable forest sources – this could include recycled fibre, plantation timbers or managed forest and often a combination of all. There are two global bodies who audit these processes. One is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the other is the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Both audit the paper from the forest of origin, through to the pulp and paper mill, paper merchant and printer to the end user.
The recommended papers are from mills using ISO14001 or EMAS Environmental Management processes that have the least negative impact on the environment.
However, you could buy paper with the highest environmental pedigree but the printer may not be concerned about environmental practices.
The highest environmental certification a printer can obtain is ISO14001 – Certified Environmental Management. This is recognised throughout the world and requires a major commitment from participating companies. To achieve certification, the manufacturing company must not only show that they understand the level of impact their processes have on the environment but is also committed to an ongoing continuous improvement program to reduce these impacts.
- Stage 1 – All areas of the printing company’s processes are audited by external auditors. Chemical, water and energy usage are measured as well as industrial waste.
- Stage 2 - Detailed research into environmentally friendly alternatives and implementation of new methods and systems is an ongoing commitment. “Continuous Improvement” means we set and achieve new goals.
At July 2007, less than 1% of Australian printers have been certified for ISO14001:2004
In summary, FSC and PEFC takes care of the raw materials and ISO14001 takes care of the production process so if you care about the environment, make sure your printer has ISO14001 certification.
If you would like to print a tag line about the paper or the printing process or both, here are some suggestions –
- "Insert company name" has chosen to print this catalogue on FSC certified stock. FSC certification is the highest environmental standard achievable for paper stocks, ensuring traceability and verification of well managed forest timber, from mill to printer to you.
- This brochure/magazine has been produced using an environmentally clean print process which means all the processes involved with manufacture of this brochure are guaranteed to have minimum impact on the environment.
- "Insert name of magazine" is printed by Printgraphics Pty. Ltd. under ISO 14001 Environmental Certification. No old-growth forests were felled to make this paper. The paper fibre is from certified forests and audited sources.
- This brochure is printed using vegetable based inks onto paper stock which is totally chlorine free and manufactured from pulp sourced from plantation grown timber. Both paper manufacturer and printer are accredited to ISO14001, the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management.
- "Insert name of magazine" is printed on environmentally friendly chlorine and acid-free paper manufactured by an accredited mill. Both paper manufacturer and printer are accredited to ISO14001, the internationally recognised standard to Environmental Management.
- "Insert name of magazine" is printed on 100% recycled paper by a printer accredited to ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
- Proudly printed by Printgraphics using environmentally sustainable production practices. Printgraphics has ISO14001 - Environmental Management Systems Certification.
