Ecology and printing: adopting a responsible and sustainable approach
By Pascal Malingue.
Environmental awareness is an important part of our lives and businesses. It is therefore imperative that we reconsider our practices, for reasons that go beyond legal obligations or a simple brand image. It’s a question of collective responsibility and sustainability. As a printer, whether offset or digital, how can you embrace this green trend and make your processes more environmentally friendly? Cadratin Software examines the issue in this article.
Understanding the environmental challenges facing the printing industry
Printing has always played an important role in communication. But we mustn’t forget that the traditional printing process can have a significant impact on the environment. Chemical inks, high energy and water consumption, waste production… the environmental footprint can be considerable. The general awareness of environmental urgency has created new expectations for customers who want the products they buy to be environmentally friendly.
At the same time, laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Companies that fail to comply with certain environmental standards face heavy penalties. As a result, switching to greener printing is no longer an option, but a necessity. These issues need to be clearly understood in order to take precise and effective action.
Find out more about the environmental impact of the printing industry on the European Union website.
Optimizing resource consumption
Optimizing resource consumption is a central pillar on the road to sustainable, responsible printing. There are many ways to reduce energy and water consumption, minimize waste and choose sustainable and recyclable materials.
Energy audits can be carried out to identify and remedy areas of waste. Switching to more efficient, energy-saving appliances can also be an effective solution. Intelligent lighting and optimized heating and cooling systems all help reduce electricity bills.
Some printing technologies, such as digital printing, require less water than others. Alternatively, you could consider installing a water recovery and recycling system.
When it comes to waste, the aim is twofold: to reduce waste production by optimizing processes and minimizing losses, while ensuring optimal recycling of unavoidable waste. This requires a rigorous selection of suppliers, giving preference to those who offer recyclable products or products from sustainable sources, such as paper.
ADEME provides practical guides for industry professionals wishing to optimize their resource consumption.
Adopt environmentally-friendly printing technologies
By adopting an ecological approach, printers are forced to choose more environmentally-friendly printing technologies.
Digital printing is a greener alternative to traditional offset printing. In addition to offering great flexibility in terms of print runs, it generally consumes less energy and generates less waste, as it doesn’t require plates and allows on-demand printing. Adopting such a printing method is not only a gesture for the environment, but also an opportunity to improve business efficiency and profitability.
Using environmentally-friendly inks is another way to reduce the environmental impact of printing. These days, there are a variety of vegetable-based inks and water-based inks that contain fewer environmentally harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These alternatives are not yet perfect, but they are a step in the right direction. Marie-Ange Vollard’s article will give you an idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
Another technological advance worth considering is solvent-free printing. It has a proven track record in terms of respect for the environment and workers’ health. For example, UV LED printing cures instantly, eliminating the need for solvents and reducing energy consumption.
These different technologies are accessible and enjoy growing market acceptance. By choosing them, you not only improve your environmental impact, but also meet the expectations of your increasingly environmentally conscious customers.
Obtain environmental certifications
A concrete way of demonstrating your commitment to the environment and enhancing its value for your customers is to obtain environmental certifications. These labels certify that your practices comply with recognized ecological standards.
These certifications include the Imprim’Vert label, which guarantees proper management of hazardous waste, prohibits the use of toxic products and raises awareness of environmental impacts. There are also certifications focusing on sustainable forest management, such as FSC and PEFC. These labels certify that the paper used comes from sustainably managed forests.
These certifications, far from being mere badges, represent a real commitment. They demonstrate your environmental responsibility and can be a major competitive advantage with customers who are increasingly aware of environmental issues. You can find out more about certifications in our article on the subject.
Communicating your responsible approach
Once you’ve taken green measures in your printing business, it’s important to get the word out. Communicating about your responsible approach is a way of making your customers and employees aware of the importance of the environment.
First and foremost, integrate this ecological dimension into your brand image. For example, mention your commitment on your website, in your brochures or in your dealings with customers. Don’t forget to explain the concrete actions you’ve implemented, and the certifications you’ve obtained.
Make your employees aware of these issues. They are in the front line when it comes to explaining your approach to your customers and showing them how your services contribute to preserving the environment.
By communicating transparently and authentically, you demonstrate that your commitment is much more than just a marketing argument: it’s a genuine corporate philosophy, integrated into every level of your business. For advice on how to communicate effectively about your responsible approach, visit theADEME website.
In conclusion
Responsible and sustainable behavior is no longer an option for the printing industry. Over and above regulatory obligations, this approach meets a growing expectation on the part of customers and society in general. Understanding environmental issues, optimizing resource consumption, adopting more environmentally-friendly printing technologies and obtaining environmental certifications are all measures that will help you stand out in a competitive market.
Environmental commitment is a real added value for companies and should be emphasized. So talk about your actions. By acting responsibly, you’re not only helping to preserve our planet, you’re also giving your company the means to prosper over the long term. For more information, the French Ministry of Ecological Transition website offers numerous resources on these subjects.
Pascal MALINGUE
General Manager Cadratin Software, Cogilog and Shop Application