According to Planet Ark, Australians use approximately 2.4 million tonnes of paper per year for printing, reading and writing. If ‘going green’ is the obvious choice, why doesn't everyone choose recycled papers?
HOW RECYCLING HELPS?
Using recycled paper reduces the amount we bury in landfill. Landfill sites release 23 times more methane gas than C02, and is more harmful to the environment.
Recycled paper also uses less energy and water, and produces lower carbon emissions in the manufacturing process than non-recycled paper, says Arjowiggins. Additionally, paper can be recycled up to 5 times before the fibres become too short and damaged.
WHY DOES RECYCLED PAPER COST MORE?
Recycled paper can cost more than non-recycled paper. Why? As with many recycled products, there are often additional steps to collect, clean and prepare the raw materials for manufacture.
Here’s how that works with paper...
Collection of Waste Paper. This happens at a waste sorting facility, where they classify and sell the materials to the paper mill.
Cleaning and Whitening. As the majority of the recycled material will already be printed, it needs to go through a rigorous process of de-inking, cleaning and whitening.
After these processes, the pulp is ready to be manufactured into paper.
DOES IT NEED TO LOOK RECYCLED?
Not any more. With advancements in technology and manufacturing processes, recycled paper is now as white as non recycled paper, and has the same print performance.
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?
If you are concerned about the impact your product will make on the environment, here are a few other ways to ‘go green’.
No Cello or Laminate – Gloss or Matt Cello and Laminate coatings, often used on covers to make them ‘pop’ or add longevity, is in fact a thin film of plastic. Papers with a cello or laminate coating are non recyclable.
Aqueous Varnish – many printers use a varnish to speed up the drying process and eliminate marking on the flat sheets. Ask what type of varnish is being used for this process. Printcraft uses a water-based, aqueous coating which doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and won’t yellow over time.
Soy Inks. Partner with a printer that uses soy based inks.
Accreditations & Certifications. Finally, check the accreditations and certifications of the printer. If they have ISO, FSC® or the industry accreditation Sustainable Green Print, you know they’re up to date with internationally set standards.
Printcraft is Queensland’s largest privately owned commercial printing company. We hold FSC® and ISO certifications, use water-based varnishes, soy-based inks and recycle all of our waste paper and packaging.
Printcraft fully supports all customers wishing to use recycled paper. For more information contact us at marketing@printcraft.com.au.