In partnership with:
1
Choose sustainable paper
- Recycled paper: Made from paper that’s already been used
- Virgin paper from sustainable sources (FSC, PEFC, or other certification) comes from responsibly and sustainably managed forests
- Carbon-balanced paper: Helps offset the carbon emissions from paper production
- Tip: Recycled paper is excellent, but sometimes virgin paper uses less energy. Paper is made from natural, renewable, and
recyclable materials, so check what works best for your project
2
Pick eco-friendly inks
- Vegetable or soy-based inks: Kinder to the planet and easier to recycle
- Skip metallic and UV coatings – they can enhance the look and feel, but can stop paper from being recycled
3
Print smart
- Print double-sided – cuts paper consumption in half
- Optimise layouts – e.g., A3 folded to A4 gives more space for your message than an A4+A5, without using more paper
- Avoid big, ink-heavy designs – use contrast and visuals to grab attention instead
4
Partner with sustainable printers
- Check for ISO 14001 certification
- Ask if they are a carbon-neutral or positive business
- Ask if they have additional accreditations such as B Corp status, or have an Ecovadis rating
- Review their waste and recycling policies – do these align?
5
Be smart with targeting
- Use data to send print only to the right audience
- Segment your audience – smaller, more relevant brochures get read
- Insist on a PDF proof to approve before printing
6
Rethink the reply envelope
- For charities: Could the envelope be incorporated into a leaflet to save paper and processes?
- As some audiences will more likely respond online, skipping it can save print, postage, and admin costs
- Encourage online response with QR codes and easy links
7
Easier recycling
- Avoid or reduce lamination or other finishes where possible, making the paper more easily recycled. (However, additional finishes may also help prolong the life of the product)
- Remove staples or bindings before recycling
- Encourage reuse – can your print live on as something else?
8
Shipping and distribution impacts
- Consider the entire journey of your print: sourcing, production, distribution, and disposal
- Choose suppliers with sustainability certifications across the supply chain
- Print closer to where materials will be distributed to reduce transport emissions
9
Plan print volumes carefully
- Avoid over-ordering by using past data or testing smaller runs
- Print-on-demand is ideal for small or niche campaigns
- Leave time in your schedule for feedback to reduce the risk of reprints
10
Understand print vs digital
- Digital isn’t necessarily more sustainable — weigh up the carbon footprint of both
- Printing can be more effective and stays in the home for longer
- Use print and digital together strategically for best results
11
Tell them it’s sustainable
- Include logos or statements that show your materials are sustainable (e.g. FSC, PEFC, Carbon Balanced, etc)
- Let people know why you made sustainable choices — it builds trust
- Tools such as PrintGreen (printgreen.org) allow to brands to make print and mail campaigns more sustainable through carbon calculator tools and best practice guidance
12
Test new materials
- Trial uncoated stocks as an alternative to coated, where appropriate
- Trial new paper stocks and inks to ensure they look and feel right before you go to print at volume
- Ask your printer to help you test before committing to a large run
- Start small and build confidence in more sustainable formats
