Greening the Printing Industry—How?

There has been a lot of buzz around the topic of sustainability in the graphics arts industry. But, what does it really mean for the print industry to "go green"? And what challenges are commercial printers and print service providers facing?

While it is difficult to generalize, most agree that the whole "going green" initiative means print service providers and those suppliers to the graphic arts industry are working towards sustainable products, processes, and practices to ensure a healthier and sustainable future.

"Going green in the print industry means printers' supply chains and production practices are responsible—using third-party certified paper, water-based inks, plant recycling programs and more," said M. Jan Martin, Events, Fulfillment & Communications Manager, Domtar (Booth 3135). "Paper and print is a renewable, responsible, recyclable means of advertising and communication when the entire life cycle is managed properly."

"I believe there are two meanings to this term of going green," said William Brandenburg, senior vice president of sales marketing, Imaging Technologies, Inc. (Booth 2937) "First, there are those companies that supply equipment that manufacture that equipment in an environmentally beneficial way. Second are the printers themselves who produce printed matter with an eye toward driving down the waste generated to produce their product? Since 60 percent of the cost of printing is paper, the printing industry has long ago recognized the benefit of replanting and using recycled stock, where possible. The same can be said for the manufacture of ink and related chemicals. These product manufacturers have long been developing products with less impact to the environment."

Coating manufacturers—such as Schmid Rhyner (USA), Inc. (Booth 3039)—need to source and use selected raw materials and special manufacturing processes which meet the most restricted environmental requirements. Additionally, they need to be able to offer non-hazardous coatings without environmentally harmful substances.

Challenges Unique to the Industry

When it comes to implementing "green" and sustainable practices and procedures with a business, however, wishing for it to happen will not get the job done. And building a sustainable organization is larger than just one person. While a sustainability advocate is important within an organization, everyone—from the bottom all the way to the top—needs to be involved with the process. "It needs everybody to be involved in the whole process. It needs a commitment to continuously find innovative solutions and improving existing products by aiming a sustainable and resource friendly concept," said Monika Regina, vice president, Schmid Rhyner (USA).

Another hurdle for companies trying to implement sustainability is the large number of options available and lack of consistency and simplicity. According to Jodi Haugen, director of marketing, Xcel Products, Inc. (Booth 3235), "Our current infrastructure does not support easier, convenient or simple; therefore, even when intentions may be good, the majority of disposed of printed goods are still going into landfills. Many don't realize that we do not have the infrastructure to recycle many commercial goods."

Attendees can gain a lot of information and education about sustainability in GREENspace—sponsored by Graph Design USA—a special section of the trade show floor dedicated to sustainability and the exhibitors that display eco-friendly products and services. From paper and substrates, recycling services, inks, and consumables to carbon credits, certification programs, energy efficiency, alternate sources of energy, and waste reduction services, attendees can find everything they need to "go green" with confidence. In addition to the exhibitors in GREENspace, there are free education seminars, complimentary one-on-one consulting with sustainability experts, and access to products and services.

Tomorrow's GRAPH EXPO Theater Presentations

Booth 3457

Tuesday September 13, 2011

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Practical Options for Sustainable Print Decorating – Foil & Specialty Effects Association

GREENspace Exhibitors

Actega Kelstar Inc. 2639

AdTech Graphic Service/PackSmart USA 2835

Anocoil Corporation 3136

ColorBurst Systems 3041

Consultant's Corner 2939

Creative Banner Assemblies 3139

Enterprise Group, a Domtar Business 3135

EZturner 3335

FloClear LLC 3035

Great Atlantic Capital Corporation 3141

Great Wall Machinery & Mfg. (Philippines) Inc. 2837

GreenAccess of The Access Group 2842

Hop Industries Corp. 2942

Imaging Technologies, Inc. (I-TECH) 2937

Maximum Throughput & Environmental 3036

Monigraf, Inc. 3037

Neenah Paper 3237

Oxytech Systems, Inc. 2841

PolyPrime 3337

Schmid Rhyner USA, Inc. 3039

Tec Lighting Inc. 3435

Verso Paper Corp. 3336

Weima America 2839

Xcel Products, Inc. 3235

Zund America, Inc. 2635