Going Green...Beyond FSC!

by Bobby Deraco

Whenever a client requests an environmentally-friendly print job, the first option that comes to mind is to use FSC paper and an FSC-certified printer to handle the project. Placing the FSC logo on a print piece is always an easy way to show the client's customers and stakeholders that they are committed to printing without harming our natural resources. So when one client — a major statewide association focused on protecting the environment — was considering using the FSC logo in a high-profile print campaign, they asked my opinion on the subject.

"If I told you that trees were only one part of the equation — yes, an important part, but also one of the most renewable resources used in the printing process — would you be interested in hearing about the other ways you can prove that you are committed to protecting our environment?"

"Sure," my client blurted. "But isn't FSC enough?"

"FSC is a good step in the right direction, but let's look at some other ways that you can show off that you're responsible."

I went on to highlight a few other options for their printed pieces, including:

  • Printing in Wind Powered Printing Facilities — the printer purchases wind energy and replaces its conventional electricity consumption with this clean, renewable energy. Purchased as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), the wind energy indirectly offsets thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from conventional electricity production processes that use nonrenewable fuel sources. Some papers are also produced using Wind Powered facilities.
  • Using Chlorine Free Paper — Until recently, many paper mills were making paper using chlorine gas, which causes the formation of dioxins which eventually release into the environment. Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) papers are made without the use of chlorine. Common bleaching agents in these papers are hydrogen peroxide (which, when used, breaks down into water and oxygen), and ozone, rather than chlorine.
  • Keeping Transportation in Mind — while most printers draw the line at protecting the environment once the product leaves their plant, a few offset their carbon emissions through Carbonfund.org, the country's leading carbon offset organization. Printers can purchase carbon credits that directly offset traditional petroleum-based transportation and reduce the environmental impact of trucking.
  • Printing with Soy Inks — unlike traditional petroleum-based inks, soy inks come from a renewable source — soy beans! Not only do soy inks reduce the emissions that come from the petroleum ink making process, they also allow the paper to be more easily de-inked during the recycling process. A double benefit, with no reduction in ink holdout, color quality or print consistency.
  • Designing for the Environment — graphic designers can improve a printed piece's sustainability by using less ink coverage, common dimensions to maximize paper use, proofing with PDFs, and increasing the flexibility (and shelf life) of the piece through their design process.

My client was intrigued at the options I could provide beyond FSC certification. After weighing the benefits of each, they decided to produce their print pieces as an FSC-certified, Wind Powered project using soy-based inks and Chlorine-free paper — and purchased carbon credits to offset the impact of transporting the finished product.  We were able to place special logos denoting the processes used, and the pieces turned out beautifully.

In the end, the client felt good, their constituents are happy, and we played a key role in a fun project.  Now that's what I call being environmentally-friendly!