Honoring Earth Month: Our Commitment to a Greener Future
With Earth Month approaching, we are doubling down on our efforts to support sustainable printing practices. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet, and we’re encouraging businesses to choose eco-friendly printing solutions.
At Solo Printing, we recognize that small changes can have a big impact. That’s why we’re continually refining our processes to prioritize sustainability. From reducing waste in our production lines to working with partners who share our green values, we are committed to making a difference.
Throughout April, we will be sharing tips and insights on how businesses can incorporate sustainability into their print marketing efforts. We believe that responsible printing doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it means embracing innovation to create high-quality materials with minimal environmental impact. By making thoughtful choices in printing, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
Green printing refers to eco-friendly printing practices that minimize environmental impact through sustainable methods, such as using recycled paper, energy-efficient equipment, and reducing waste. Paper recycling plays a crucial role in this process, as it reduces the need for virgin wood fibers, conserves resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Paper Recycling Statistics:
-
Recycling Rate: In 2018, approximately 46 million tons of paper and paperboard were recycled in the U.S., resulting in a recycling rate of 68.2%. This rate was the highest among all materials in municipal solid waste that year. US EPA
-
Global Consumption: Despite advancements in digital technology, global paper consumption has increased significantly. Over the past 40 years, paper usage worldwide has surged by 400%, with the average American using more than 700 pounds of paper annually—the highest per capita usage globally. US EPA
FSC Certified Paper:
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international nonprofit organization that certifies paper products made from responsibly sourced wood fibers. FSC certification ensures that paper comes from forests managed in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner. There are different FSC labels, including:
-
FSC 100%: All wood and paper materials are sourced entirely from FSC-certified forests.
-
FSC Recycled: All wood and paper materials are made from recycled content.
Benefits of FSC Certification:
-
Environmental Protection: FSC-certified forests are managed to protect water quality, biodiversity, and the rights of indigenous peoples. Domtar
-
Market Differentiation: Offering FSC-certified products allows businesses to meet consumer demand for sustainable options and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. (Source: Home | Forest Stewardship Council)
The global sustainable printing market was valued at approximately $2.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues and a rising demand for sustainably produced products, including printed materials. (Source: Grand View Research)
In summary, for our clients and readers, adopting green printing practices for your business, utilizing recycled paper, and choosing FSC-certified products are great, effective ways to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and support sustainable forest management!
Strengthening Our Sustainability Commitment
Sustainability has always been a priority at Solo Printing, and our partnership with One Tree Planted continues to drive positive environmental change. Our recent EcoVadis bronze rating places us in the top 35% of companies assessed, reflecting our commitment to responsible business practices.
To ensure we remain trusted print providers with a focus on sustainability, we take several steps overall:
- Eco-Friendly Paper Sourcing: We use FSC-certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests to reduce deforestation and promote sustainability.
- Energy-Efficient Equipment: Our investments in state-of-the-art machinery reduce energy consumption and emissions.
- Waste Reduction Initiatives: We continuously work on minimizing waste by recycling paper scraps and using environmentally friendly inks and coatings.
- Sustainable Mailing Solutions: Our direct mail services use recyclable materials and eco-conscious printing techniques to reduce environmental impact.
- Advancing Sustainability with Komori Press Technology
At Solo Printing, we are proud to utilize Komori presses equipped with LED, UV, and IR curing technology. These innovations enhance energy efficiency and align with our mission to be a greener commercial printing company.
Apart from being highly efficient, our Komori presses also support reduced waste printing, thanks to Komori’s many environmental initiatives. These technologies enable us to deliver top-quality prints while minimizing our carbon footprint and conserving energy. By investing in cutting-edge equipment, we continue to push forward in our commitment to sustainability. You’ll learn more about our energy efficient equipment in the next paragraph!
A “Green” Printer Committed to Sustainable Forestry
At Solo Printing, sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything we do. As a socially responsible “green” printer, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry practices and ensuring that our operations do not harm the planet. We recognize the critical importance of healthy, biodiverse forests, and we understand that the ethical harvesting of natural resources is essential to the health and regeneration of our environment. In an era where pollution, noise, and environmental degradation are real threats, Solo Printing is working to reduce the industry’s impact on the world.
The print industry can have several environmental effects: it relies on forestry products for paper, and its operations produce dust, noise, heat, and emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in inks, solvents, and other chemicals.
At Solo Printing, we actively reduce or eliminate these negative impacts by investing in the best available technologies and processes. Our new Komori presses, including a ten-color Lithrone perfector (1040P) and a six-color Lithrone G40 (GL640), are equipped with LED UV and IR curing technology. These energy-efficient presses not only deliver superior color accuracy and faster makeready times, reducing waste, but also improve the working environment by eliminating heat, ozone, and mercury.
Our LED UV curing system instantly cures ink, eliminating the need for drying time and powders, while also reducing energy use and waste. LED UV lamps are ten times more durable than traditional lamps, offering significant savings in both cost and resources. The inks used are solvent-free, minimizing VOC emissions, which is crucial for both environmental and health reasons. Additionally, the IR curing technology enables the use of water-based inks, reducing VOC emissions and offering a more energy-efficient solution for large offset printing projects.
By embracing green printing practices, Solo Printing achieves multiple benefits: reduced consumable use, lower VOC emissions, decreased power consumption, less paper and ink waste, and a commitment to recycling and safe waste disposal. Our dedication to operating with the highest forestry standards, as well as our certifications, ensures that we meet the highest levels of sustainability. We are proud to be a leader in environmentally responsible printing, constantly striving to protect the planet and support a greener future.
Our Partnership with One Tree Planted
As part of our sustainability initiatives, Solo Printing proudly partners with One Tree Planted to support global reforestation efforts. With every print project, we take steps toward reducing our environmental impact, and through this partnership, we help restore forests, improve biodiversity, and create a healthier planet. For every job we sell, TWO TREES are planted through the OTP program in national forests around the US. That’s why, at Solo Printing, every print counts—not just for our customers but for the environment.
Through our partnership with One Tree Planted, we contribute to global reforestation efforts, helping restore forests, support biodiversity, and combat climate change. Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, and protecting wildlife habitats, and we are honored to be part of a movement that makes a tangible difference. By choosing Solo Printing, our clients support a company that values sustainability and actively works toward a healthier planet—one tree at a time.
Supporting One Tree Planted allows us to give back to the environment and align our business practices with responsible sustainability efforts. We encourage our customers to choose eco-friendly printing solutions and join us in making a positive impact.
What Our EcoVadis Badge Means
Our EcoVadis bronze rating places us in the top 35% of companies assessed for corporate social responsibility. This recognition highlights our efforts in sustainability, labor & human rights, ethics, and procurement. This achievement places us in the top 35% of companies assessed worldwide, reflecting our dedication to sustainable sourcing, responsible manufacturing, and continuous improvement in reducing our environmental impact.
By integrating sustainable solutions into our daily operations, from energy-efficient printing processes to waste reduction initiatives, we ensure that our clients receive high-quality products with a lower ecological footprint. Our EcoVadis rating serves as both a recognition of our progress and a motivation to push our sustainability efforts even further. It is a testament to our dedication to environmentally responsible printing, ethical business practices, and continuous improvement. We will continue to refine our processes and seek new ways to make our operations even more sustainable.
Choosing a sustainable, green printer like Solo Printing is not just about getting high-quality products—it’s about making a positive impact on the environment. Clients can feel confident that their printing needs are being met with eco-friendly practices, from responsibly sourced materials to energy-efficient production processes. Working with a green printer means reducing your carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and supporting initiatives like reforestation through our partnership with One Tree Planted. It’s a simple yet powerful way for businesses to align with their sustainability goals, demonstrate corporate responsibility, and contribute to a greener future. At Solo Printing, we combine industry-leading print solutions with a commitment to the planet, ensuring that every project makes a lasting difference.
Sustainability isn’t just a commitment at Solo Printing—it’s part of who we are.
Join Us on This Journey
April is a month of growth, and at Solo Printing, we’re growing alongside our clients. Whether it’s through our enhanced mailing services, sustainability initiatives, or our commitment to delivering the best in commercial printing, we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and exclusive content as we continue to champion sustainability in the printing industry. Here’s to a greener future with Solo Printing!
