Facts About Print and Mail Paper Sustainability
A key issue in traditional print and mail remains the harmful environmental impact and wastage. This waste includes torn paper sheets, toner cartridges, ink, office waste, and leftover stock. Paper waste contributes around 40% of the total wastage generated in the U.S. It roughly translates into 71.6 million tonne of paper waste annually!
In the age of globalisation and climate change, individuals and businesses should be more concerned about the environment. Sustainability is not only a buzzword now, it is becoming a core function of modern businesses. Green printing methods are changing the face of print and mail with sustainable practices.
A newsletter by Canon suggests that the global greenhouse gas emissions of the pulp, paper, and print industries are the lowest, at only 0.8%. In contrast, the Information Technology (IT) industry is responsible for around 2.5 to 3%. This figure might even touch 14% by 2040. People often have negative misconceptions about physical mail that drop the idea of running direct mail campaigns. This blog provides a perfect retrospective into how eco-friendly and sustainable practices are changing the face of print and mail.
Key Takeaways
- Consumers are more aware of environmental protection than ever before.
- The pulp, paper, and print industries are only responsible for 0.8% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world.
- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is responsible for the conservation of natural habitats of plants and animals.
- The IT industry is estimated to consume a massive 20% of the world’s total electricity.
- China and the United States are the top paper producers in the world.
- Using sustainable paper improves brand image and utilisation of resources.
- Traditional printing methods lead to occupational hazards, air pollution, and soil degradation.
What Businesses Need to Know About Printing Practices?
Modern consumers and businesses are more aware of their environmental impact. We often associate printing with high carbon footprints. Quocirca’s Print Sustainability Trends 2023 report suggests that 95% of businesses consider sustainability practices while selecting a print and mail vendor. We must know the facts and debunk the myths of the paper industry.
Paper is Harmful for the Environment
Many argue with a plan statement that paper production is harmful to the environment. They don’t consider the materials and processes to generate paper. Paper is one of the most recycled products in the world. The newspaper you read yesterday could be used to make a product booklet.
We can use a single paper fiber multiple times for different purposes. The paper and cardboard recycling rate in the U.S. printing industry is around 70%. These recycling rates have continuously grown in the last decade and remain consistently high.
Sustainable Forest Management Preserves Biodiversity
It is vital to have control over the supply chain of wood and wood fiber from the forest to consumers. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification TM (PEFCTM) are responsible for the conservation of natural habitats of plants and animals.
FSC has issued around 62,923 CoC certificates to ensure that products are from responsibly managed forests. These governing bodies are making paper production more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Paper Production is a Common Culprit of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Many critics suggest that paper production leads to high greenhouse gas emissions. However, times are changing with the use of renewable energy. The share of renewable energy in the paper, pulp, and printing industry grew from 40% in 2011 to around 44% in 2021.
These innovative companies use renewable energy generated from biomass, wind, solar, and hydroelectric means. It is a positive departure from fossil fuels to eco-friendly energy sources, leaving a minimum impact on the environment.
Electronic Communication has an Environmental Impact
Many businesses and individuals are ditching paper communication in the hope of saving the environment with digital communication. However, a report by Greenpeace suggests that the information technology industry is estimated to consume around 20% of the world’s total electricity. The digital industry lacks recycling of non-renewable resources. Today, e-waste is a huge problem worldwide, with the continuous emerging demand for digital devices.
The Paper Industry Supports a Major Economy
Paper manufacturing involves a lot of activities, including trees, wood processing, sawmill chips, forest thinning, etc. The global paper industry is worth over $400 billion, employing countless people. Many businesses and vendors are involved in the circular model of this industry. Our society, environment, and businesses benefit by replenishing and regenerating. China and the United States are the top paper producers, with China producing 130 million metric tons in 2022.
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Consumers Still Value Paper-Based Communications
Most businesses are moving towards a digital infrastructure for their communication strategy. Some are even charging an extra premium if customers prefer to receive paper-based documents.
However, direct mail is still relevant in the digital world. It feels more tangible, memorable, and interactive than any digital message. The USPS Generational Research report suggests that people of every age group have a positive perception of receiving communication via physical mail.
Mail pieces get more attention and stay around the home for longer. People like reading print media as it is easier to absorb content than digital channels. The paper and print industry has been there for over 2000 years.
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Carbon Footprint of Paper is Not as High as You May Think
Did you know that most of the energy necessary to make pulp and paper is renewable? Since 2005, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 24%. The emissions from paper production vary between 82 and 172 kilograms per tonne of paper, which is relatively low compared to traditional methods.
It is also estimated that this industry only accounts for 1% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Most paper manufacturers are making an impressive commitment to improve fuel efficiency and replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.
Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Paper in Print and Mail Advertising
Changing the World for Better
We cannot undermine the effect of carbon emissions on climate change. The constant exploitation of the environment has led to ecological disbalances worldwide. Every business has the ethical responsibility to combat this negative effect on the environment.
Sustainable printing techniques are eco-friendly and cost-effective as well. A Deloitte report suggests that over 80% of businesses working in the printing industry are using sustainable practices in their operations. These greener options not only help businesses but also our collective future.
Improving Your Brand Image
In today’s competitive environment, sustainability is a huge factor in running a business. Consumers also expect businesses to implement sustainable practices while providing products and services. They prefer companies companies with high-efficiency recycling, carbon balance, and organic materials.
Even using recycled paper for physical communication materials improves the credibility of your business. It automatically attracts customers who are influenced by the market’s latest trends. A study suggests that consistent brand representation can increase revenue by up to 33%. People will start to respect the fact that you’re doing something for the environment. Many companies boast their status of carbon neutrality to consumers.
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Higher Efficiency of Resources
The sustainable paper uses wood fiber sourced from responsibly managed forests. This approach helps paper manufacturers meet high economic, environmental, and social standards. The paper stock has a certified chain of custody, ensuring complete visibility to the supply chain.
Innovative printing processes like LED UV rely on LED UV lamps. It eliminates the need for any warmup or cooldown downtimes. Businesses can save immense resources by sticking to sustainable printing practices. LEDs are a fairly new technology in the printing industry, innovative businesses can bet on this trend. Smart use of resources can contribute up to $2 trillion to the global economy.
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How Can Businesses Reduce Their Carbon Footprint With Sustainable Printing?
Green printing is the latest trend in the print and mail industry. It is an eco-friendly way of producing printed materials while reducing the carbon footprint. Numerous advancements in the printing industry have promoted these initiatives.
Biodegradable Plastics
We might have a common misconception that plastics are harmful to the environment. What if some plastics could be biodegradable? A plant-based hydrobiodegradable or petroleum-based oxo-biodegradable plastic could be helpful in packing mail and packages with eco-friendly materials.
Recycled Paper
Businesses will find various recycled paper products, ranging from 10% to 100% recycled materials. There are endless options depending on your budget and use cases. These paper stocks could immensely contribute to your carbon neutrality goals.
Soy Ink
Most inks use harmful chemicals and dyes, leading to soil degradation and an imbalanced ecosystem. These days businesses often use environmentally friendly inks, such as soy inks. These inks are highly sustainable and do not release any Volatile Organic Compounds upon printing. Plus, you can also easily remove this ink from paper stocks, making recycling much easier.
Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Packing is a huge concern for print and mail operations. You need proper adhesives, tapes, envelopes, or cartons to pack your mailers and parcels. Many companies use eco-friendly packing materials such as;
- Kraft paper
- Shredded corrugated cardboard
- Air pillows
- Edible packaging
- Seaweed packaging
- Compostable material
Eco-Friendly Certifications
It is necessary to look for some certifications if you are working with a print and mail service provider. These badges ensure that the paper and packaging are sourced from environmentally sustainable materials and practices.
Certifications You Need to Look for;
FSC Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council is responsible for ensuring that there’s no damage to habitat displacement, or violence against the locals while cutting wood for paper production.
Recycled Content
This symbol represents the business using recycled paper and packaging materials to print mailers. It is a cleaner approach to running a print-and-mail operation.
Green E Certification
It suggests that the company is using renewable energy without causing pollution. You must consider this certification to become carbon neutral.
Rainforest Alliance
It ensures the protection of the environment, wildlife, and people in the region. Businesses should avoid dealing with vendors that don’t provide this assurance while providing printing services.
Sustainable Forest Initiative
This certification is similar to FSC with objectives on a smaller scale.
Green Seal Certification
This certification signifies that at least 30% of the materials are sourced from recycled content.
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What are the Environmental Impacts of Traditional Paper Printing Methods?
Major Air Pollutant
The use of fossil fuels in paper production is the biggest contributor to the emissions of fine particles, heavy metals, and Dixons. These pollutants severely damage our air and ecosystem. Gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) directly increase the greenhouse effect.
These air pollutants are closely linked to severe health problems like cancer, and respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases. The unnecessary burning of fossil fuels is one of the biggest contributors to global warming.
Many traditional paper production process releases volatile chemicals into the environment. 60% of these release methanol which is not a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemical, leading to immense environmental degradation. In the short term, they may lead to headaches, insomnia, and dizziness.
Occupational Hazards
People who work at traditional paper manufacturing plants are exposed to high risks. They are in constant contact with harmful chemicals and waste. It significantly increase their risks of catching certain diseases. A report suggests that the rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illness in the paper industry was 2.9 cases per 100 full-time workers.
Inhalation or accidental ingestion of harmful materials is the primary reason behind these injuries or illnesses. Some of the problems could be life-threatening for a few workers.
E-Waste From Printing Equipment
The constant advancements in printing technology have led to increasing obsolescence of printing equipment. Every business wants the latest and the greatest for their printing operations.
In-house printing jobs are contributing more e-waste to the environment than outsourcing. It is estimated that 62 million metric tonne of e-waste will be globally generated in 2022. This e-waste contains dangerous chemicals like mercury, cadmium, and lead, some of the major contributors to soil and water erosion. Businesses must be responsible enough to dispose of e-waste to minimise its harmful environmental impact.
Harmful Chemicals in Inks
The choice of ink and toner cartridges also has a severe impact on the environment. It is vital to consider eco-friendly ink and toner from non-toxic and renewable materials. Businesses can reduce waste generation and conserve resources with this approach. A report suggests that people working in the printing industry are exposed to at least 300 different substances.
It is estimated that 500 million ink cartridges are discarded annually. Proper recycling and refilling ink cartridges can reduce the number of cartridges sent to landfills. Printing providers can also reduce the energy and material requirements necessary to manufacture new cartridges. Remanufacturing cartridges or eco-friendly alternatives can immensely reduce the environmental impact of your printing operations.
How Can PostGrid Make Your Print and Mail Operations Environmentally Friendly?
PostGrid is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and communities we serve. We prioritises using FSC-certified recycled papers in our printing and mailing process. By choosing recycled paper, we reduce the demand for virgin resources. Henceforth we are a 100% carbon natural company. The constant commitment to sustainability is ensured by partnering with carbon-neutral print partners that work towards delivering high-quality printing materials for your mailers. Request a demo to understand our sustainable printing and mailing initiatives.
