As a society, we're taking more and more steps to lessen our impact on the environment. From reducing waste to using recyclable cups, brands and consumers are making conscious efforts to be more sustainable.
Although you can do marketing digitally, online adverts miss the tangible benefits of printed marketing, which is vital to a business' success. That's where a problem occurs — can print be sustainable and affordable?
Can Print Be Sustainable?
Although sustainable products tend to be slightly more expensive, consumers have said they're happy to pay this difference. 74% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, while 69% and 63% of Gen Z shoppers in the UK and US will happily pay more for sustainable products.
Here's how you can choose sustainable materials that are affordable, too.
Sustainable Print
Paper is now regarded as one of the world’s great sustainable products. It’s biodegradable, recyclable and made from a renewable raw material.
It's important to look into Carbon Balanced Paper. Every manufacturing process has a carbon footprint. If a print supplier offers Carbon Balanced Paper, they're actively showing their commitment to the environment by giving you a simple way to balance the carbon emissions of your printed marketing. If the paper has been Carbon Balanced, it means the average CO2 created during the entire paper production and mill delivery have been offset.
A Carbon Balanced Print takes this one step further. Only a Carbon Balanced Printer can do this, it means they have measured and Carbon Balanced the CO2 emissions from their print operations with the approval of a verified third party. Only a Carbon Balanced Printer can produce Carbon Balanced Print and carry a unique registered Carbon Balanced Print logo.
Biodegradable Materials
Alongside using Carbon Balanced Print, printers should also ensure all the products they use are kind to the environment. Inks and finishes can be made from toxic materials, so it's crucial to invest in materials that will break down easily and won't release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Print Tip
For the most eco-friendly finish we’d recommend using uncoated paper as this is the easiest to recycle, in our opinion it also creates the best results when printed.
Energy-Efficient Equipment
One aspect of sustainable printing that's sometimes overlooked is the equipment used by printers. Energy-efficient equipment should be used alongside sustainable materials to minimise the impact on the environment.
That’s why we are proud to print using our LED UV press.
Can Sustainable Print Be Convenient?
Consumers care about the climate, but are they willing to sacrifice in other areas, such as costs, to buy sustainably? It's simple: Sustainable print can be convenient if you get the designs right to reduce the chances of your print heading for the bin and by using environmentally friendly paper from a reliable supplier.
A study conducted by Getty images found that 81% of people surveyed see themselves as eco-friendly. However, just 50% said they only buy products from brands that try to be environmentally friendly.
It also found that although 84% of UK consumers believe being environmentally friendly is essential, only 68% can name at least one eco-friendly brand.
Of those surveyed, only those who identify as passionate about sustainability are willing to pay more for products or services from companies that deliver sustainable products.
This survey clearly shows that consumers want to reduce their impact on the environment. However, there's still some way to go in making environmentally friendly products a convenient choice for consumers.
First, you need to learn about the products and printing methods, ensuring you aren't unknowingly contributing to the problem. That's where our latest buyer's guide can help.
Achieve Sustainability and Convenience With Our Buyer's Guide
If you have an upcoming marketing campaign that you'd like to ensure is environmentally friendly, take a look at our buyer's guide below. We've provided everything you need to know about our products and printing methods, so you can rest assured that our processes are environmentally friendly.
To avoid missing out on these insights, click the button below to gain access today.