Sustainability in printing: Importance and innovative strategies

It's an undeniable fact that our world is in dire need of sustainable practices across all sectors. A major contributor to this cause is the printing industry. With its high consumption of renewable energy resources and materials, traditional printing practices have a significant environmental footprint.

In contrast, print on demand is a sustainable printing practice with a relatively small footprint on the environment. If you’re a part of this industry, explore the importance of adopting sustainable printing practices for your POD business model.

• Adopting sustainable practices in the printing industry is beneficial for the environment and also brings significant business advantages, such as cost savings and enhanced brand image.

• Traditional printing practices have substantial environmental impacts; transitioning towards more eco-friendly techniques can reduce carbon footprints and overall waste.

• A range of innovative strategies are available to make printing practices more sustainable, including automating file optimization, using eco-friendly inks, and implementing efficient shipping methods.

• Embracing technology, such as digital printing, print on demand, digital printing presses, and real-time analytics, can increase operational efficiency while promoting environmental sustainability, thus reducing printing companies' costs. 

• Tools like GelatoConnect can aid in achieving sustainability goals in the print on demand  industry by minimizing printing waste and optimizing logistics, among other features.

Sustainability is taking center stage in every industry, and the printing world is no exception. The way we print can have vast implications for our planet. 

Let's understand why sustainability is critical in the printing industry. 

Environmental impacts of traditional printing practices

Let’s break down some of the main environmental impacts associated with traditional printing operations: 

• High energy consumption: The production and operation of traditional printing machines can consume a considerable amount of energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

• Waste creation: Significant amounts of waste are generated both in the pre- and post-production stages. This includes paper, ink cartridges, and printing plates, many of which often end up in landfills.

• Hazardous materials: Many traditional inks and dyes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can harm not only the environment but also human health.

• Water pollution: The chemicals used in paper production and ink creation can pollute water sources, damaging aquatic ecosystems and potentially contaminating potable water supplies.

The business case for adopting sustainable methods

Adopting sustainable printing methods isn't a mere environmental obligation; it also presents a strategic business proposition. Here are some key points that underline the business case for sustainable methods: 

• Reduced environmental impact: By encouraging digital proofs, implementing an efficient print environment layout, and training employees on sustainable printing practices, businesses can significantly reduce their ecological footprint.

• Lower carbon footprint: Sustainable printing practices, such as using eco-friendly inks and paper, help lower carbon emissions associated with traditional printing.

• Save costs: Sustainability in printing often translates into cost-effectiveness. As you streamline operations and embrace strategies that minimize waste, you will notice substantial savings.

• Enhanced brand image: Consumers today are increasingly environmentally conscious. Companies that prioritize sustainable practices demonstrate corporate responsibility, enhancing their brand image and customer loyalty.

• Regulatory compliance: With stricter environmental regulations, adopting eco-friendly printing practices can help avoid potential penalties and stay ahead of industry standards.

Ready to turn your printing practices green? Let's dive deep and explore nine effective strategies that will enable you to stand at the forefront of sustainable printing, reducing environmental impact and enhancing your business efficiency. 

1. Automate file optimization

Automating file optimization reduces errors and reprints, saving not just resources and energy but also time and money. Here are a few strategies to incorporate: 

• Utilize print management software: These tools not only automate the optimization of print-ready files but can also track printing usage, providing valuable data to identify areas for improvement and minimize excessive printing.

• Adopt smart file correction: Advanced software can identify and fix potential printing errors such as incorrect dimensions, resolution, or color models. 

• Enable auto-trim and bleed settings: Auto-trimming excess borders and incorporating bleed during file preparation can reduce material waste and optimize print accuracy, thereby improving overall sustainability in the process.

GelatoConnect aids in automatic file optimization to save precious resources and enegry!

2. Implement double-sided and recycled paper printing

One of the simplest yet most effective routes to achieving printing sustainability is the implementation of double-sided and recycled paper printing. Here's why:

• Double-sided printing: By enabling duplex printing as the default setting on your printing devices, you can drastically cut down on your paper usage. The potential reduction in paper usage reaches up to a remarkable 50%.

• Recycled paper printing: Another valuable tactic involves using recycled paper. Opting for this alternative serves a dual purpose: It contributes to waste reduction and the conservation of natural resources.

• Carbon-balanced printing: This method incorporates paper that has been carbon-balanced and a printer specifically engineered for its considerable environmental benefits. This practice not only reduces your carbon emissions but also aids in offsetting your business's carbon footprint.

 3. Use eco-friendly inks

Swapping out conventional standard inks for their eco-friendly counterparts is a crucial move towards sustainable printing. Here's why:

• Biodegradability: Eco-friendly inks, such as vegetable or soy-based inks, are more biodegradable than petroleum-based inks. 

• Emission reduction: Using eco-friendly inks helps reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which harm the environment and human health.

• Safety and health: Unlike traditional inks that contain heavy metals and other harmful residues, eco-friendly variants are less toxic, thereby improving the safety and health conditions within your office.

• Better print quality: Contrary to popular belief, switching to eco-friendly inks doesn't mean compromising on print quality. Vegetable and soy-based inks are known for sharper and vibrant prints, often exceeding the print quality of standard inks.

4. Streamline workflow and reduce administration

Streamlining your printing workflow and reducing administrative tasks will be game-changers in incorporating sustainability into your printing processes. Here's how you can incorporate it:

• Cut down on print-queue clutter: Keep your printing queue tidy by implementing print management software. This tool can also help you identify areas where you can improve your printing practices and reduce unnecessary printing.

• Promote digital proofs: Reducing the reliance on hard copy proofs can lead to a significant decrease in paper usage. Digital proofs are not only environmentally friendly, but they are also usually quicker and more cost-effective.

• Adopt efficient print environment layout: An efficient workspace layout incorporating machine placement to minimize movement, bin locations for waste segregation, and using natural lighting to save on power can play a big role in saving resources.

• Invest in eco-friendly printers: The new generation of printers features eco-friendly advantages like eco-printing modes, smart features, and reduced energy consumption, which contribute to sustainable printing.

• Education: Educate employees about proper sustainable practices. When everyone is on board with the process, implementing these strategies becomes much easier.

The GelatoConnect Workflow tool allows you to manage and automate your entire workflow with our OEM-agnostic, end-to-end production solution. With a comprehensive dashboard coupled with real-time machine tracking, GelatoConnect offers complete visibility over production. And automating the entire process reduces errors; saving time, money and resources. 

5. Optimize inventory with automated recommendations

Reducing obsolete stock and optimizing inventory directly contributes to your company's sustainability goals by reducing waste and the energy used in storage and transport.

Here's how you can get started:

• Reduce stock obsolescence: Continuous monitoring and control over your printing inventory can help prevent overstocking and obsolescence of supplies that lead to wastage.

• Maintain balance: Automated recommendations can help maintain a balanced inventory, ensuring you never run out of essential supplies or keep an excess of seldom-used items.

• Cost efficiency: By controlling your inventory effectively, you can save money on unnecessary stock and storage space and minimize the chances of sudden, costly stockouts.

• Use advanced software: Software technology enables real-time monitoring, giving an accurate picture of your inventory and providing automated recommendations based on past usage and future demands.

GelatoConnect offers effective inventory management to ensure your ecommerce business is minimizing its environmental footprint.

6. Select eco-friendly suppliers

Choosing vendors who prioritize sustainable measures is a critical step toward a greener printing process. Aim for a partnership that not only delivers quality but also shows commitment to environmental consciousness.

Here are a few things to consider: 

• Material sources: Ensure that your suppliers harvest their paper sources responsibly. A supplier who uses tree-free paper derived from vegetable products or renewable sources like bamboo, wheat straw, or agricultural waste is a desirable choice.

• Eco-friendly production: Choose suppliers who use energy-efficient equipment and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Some vendors also use renewable energy, like wind power, for paper production.

• Green seal of approval: Check whether potential suppliers have any certifications or compliances indicating their commitment to sustainability. Certificates like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification denote responsible forestry practices.

• Waste management: Consider the waste management practices of your potential suppliers. An eco-friendly vendor should have comprehensive waste reduction and recycling initiatives in place.

7. Utilize efficient shipping methods

By incorporating efficient shipping methods, you not only reduce your logistic footprint but also contribute to a more sustainable business model. 

Here are a few strategies you can implement: 

• Grouping shipments: Shipping multiple orders together in less packaging can reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint.

• Prioritizing local deliveries: Whenever possible, prioritize local deliveries to minimize the distance your goods need to travel, thus reducing emissions.

• Opting for eco-friendly packaging: Choose biodegradable or recyclable materials for your packaging to decrease the environmental harm associated with waste.

• Partnering with sustainable carriers: Choose carriers who are committed to green practices, such as using fuel-efficient vehicles or offsetting carbon emissions.

GelatoConnect’s Logistics feature helps you manage all of your shipping providers on one interface and provides access to a wider array of local carriers for reduced emissions. 

8. Embrace print on demand

Traditional printing methods often involve producing large quantities in advance to lower costs. Switching to a print on demand model can significantly help eliminate this unnecessary waste. 

Here's how:  

• Reduced waste: Print on demand mitigates the problem of unused inventory and waste, as items are only printed when there is a demand for them. This prevents the unfortunate situation of overruns and storage issues.

• Cost-effective: Despite the slightly higher costs per item, print on demand is often more cost-effective in the long run. It eliminates the upfront expenses typically associated with traditional printing and the financial burden of warehousing.

• Fulfillment and shipping optimization: Companies offer print on demand services that optimize the shipping process by grouping shipments. This reduces the environmental footprint of delivery, decreasing carbon emissions.

• Exceed customer expectations: A print on demand model not only benefits your bottom line but can also provide customers with products that are fresh off the press, further elevating their experience with your brand.

• Sustainability partner: Working with print partners that prioritize sustainability, like GelatoConnect, can help ensure that your print on demand services are as eco-friendly as possible.

9. Monitor with real-time analytics

Real-time analytics offer an in-depth view of your printing operations, providing data that can show where waste is occurring, how energy consumption can be reduced, and how efficiency can be improved. 

Here's a more in-depth look into what it offers: 

• Identifying waste hotspots: Tracking print usage can help you spot patterns or areas in your operations where excessive or unnecessary printing is occurring. These hotspots are key areas to target for reductions.

• Boosting energy efficiency: Real-time analytics can also uncover opportunities to save energy. For instance, monitoring the use of printer modes can identify overlooked opportunities for using energy-saving features.

• Optimizing workflow: Data can shed light on inefficient processes, allowing tweaks or changes to be made that streamline operations and reduce both waste and resource use.

• Forecasting needs: By monitoring trends and patterns over time, real-time analytics can help predict future printing needs, enabling more efficient planning and reducing overstocking or understocking of supplies.

GelatoConnect has real-time machine tracking tools that offer complete visibility over printing operations.

GelatoConnect is the ultimate solution for businesses committed to sustainable printing. With features designed to reduce waste, optimize logistics, and promote eco-friendly practices, GelatoConnect allows users to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. 

From automatic file optimization to effective inventory management, every aspect of GelatoConnect works toward minimizing your ecommerce business’s environmental footprint.

Join the sustainable revolution today and enrich your ecommerce business’s operations harmoniously with the environment. 

Quick implementation and improved sustainability are just a click away. Sign up for GelatoConnect today.