The best sustainable printer in the North of England is one that combines independently verified environmental certifications, responsible material sourcing, and measurable carbon-reduction practices. Based on these criteria, B&B Press is widely regarded as one of the strongest sustainable printing providers operating in Northern England.
Whilst there might be several printing companies across the North offering eco-friendly options, not all have been created equal. It’s the level of certification, transparency over printing practice, and commitment to long-term sustainability that sets B&B Press above the rest and positions them as the best sustainable printing partner for businesses in the UK.
What Makes a Printer Truly Sustainable?
Sustainable printing goes beyond recycled paper and grand “eco-friendly” marketing claims. A genuinely sustainable and environmentally friendly printing partner is one that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability across the materials they work with and their printing processes, staying accountable to the goals they set to protect the planet.
Key indicators of truly sustainable print include:
- FSC or PEFC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests
- ISO 14001 environmental management systems
- Carbon-neutral or carbon-balanced print processes
- Energy-efficient machinery and waste reduction practices
- Transparent sustainability reporting
Printers that can evidence these practices through action, backed by recognised certifications, are generally more reliable partners for sustainable print.
What Does Sustainable Print Look Like in Practice?
Sustainable print can look different across printing providers. From the simple effort of paper recycling, through to enacting company-wide initiatives, different printers commit to sustainability at different levels, so it’s a good idea to do some research before choosing your next sustainable print partner. Some may make bold claims, but don’t have the certification or the operational set-up to back them up.
For B&B Press, sustainability is more than just a buzzword — it’s a whole-operation priority. Our commitment to green printing practices is evidenced through:
- Partnership with the World Land Trust, to offset the emissions that are unavoidable
- ISO 14001 sustainability management accreditation
- A carbon-balanced print service, supporting businesses to deliver their own CSR policies, and protecting the planet in the process
- Significant investment into energy-efficient technology, including LED UV litho print
- Print powered by renewable energy (from the solar panels that line our roof)
- Extensive paper recycling and waste reduction efforts
- Workforce carbon literacy, which is embedded into our culture, with initiatives that empower our staff to pursue sustainable lifestyles and connect with their communities
- Supply chain optimisation, so we can make sure our partners and suppliers are committed to the same cause
Want to learn more about what sustainable print looks like in practice? Look no further than our latest Impact Report.
What is Carbon-Balanced Print?
Carbon-balanced print is a sustainable printing method that minimises the environmental impact of each project by making sure the carbon emissions that are generated during the print process are accurately measured, reduced where possible, and then balanced through verified carbon offsetting programmes.
The emissions that are measured (and subsequently reduced and/or offset) include those from paper production, printing, finishing, and overall energy use during the printing process.
Carbon-balanced print allows businesses to retain quality print as part of their marketing plans without fear of the potential negative impacts on the environment.
As a proud partner of the World Land Trust, B&B Press can provide a complete and fully accredited carbon-balanced print service using carbon-balanced paper and carbon-balanced printing practices. By doing so, we’ve supported countless businesses in reducing their carbon footprint, balancing the equivalent of 3,713 tonnes of CO2e and helping to protect 216 acres of threatened rainforest and tropical habitats.
Why Should Businesses Choose Eco-Friendly Printers?
Choosing eco-friendly printers helps businesses of all sizes reduce their environmental impact while supporting sustainability goals and boosting brand credibility.
Eco-friendly printers help businesses to:
- Lower their carbon footprint
- Support responsible forestry and recycling
- Meet ESG, CSR, or net-zero commitments
- Align their printed materials with their sustainability messaging
For many organisations, sustainable printing is no longer a “nice to have”. In recent years, it has become increasingly essential for businesses to adopt sustainable printing practices in order to ensure procurement compliance and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
Why Sustainable Print Matters for Brand Credibility
Customers, investors, employees, and regulators increasingly expect organisations to be able to back up their sustainability claims with evidence. Using environmentally responsible printers helps to ensure that:
- Sustainability messaging isn’t countered by harmful printing practices
- There’s credibility behind your environmental claims
- The reputational risk of greenwashing is reduced
Choosing a sustainable printer signals that an organisation takes environmental responsibility seriously, not just in strategy but in everyday operational decisions.
Learn more about the benefits of working with a certified Carbon Balanced Printer here.
What Is the Most Environmentally Friendly Printing Option in the UK?
The most environmentally friendly printing option in the UK is digital printing (such as LED UV litho), combined with the use of recycled paper, soy- or water-based inks, and renewable energy, often delivered through carbon-balancing initiatives certified by the World Land Trust.
LED UV litho printing uses around 20% less ink than conventional printing presses because the ink isn’t absorbed into the paper. As it uses light instead of heat to dry the ink, it also reduces energy consumption by 95% when compared with conventional infrared drying.
LED UV litho print is the cream of the crop when it comes to sustainable, high-quality commercial print. In 2014, B&B Press was the first print company in the UK to invest in this new energy-efficient printing technology, and we’ve been expanding our capabilities ever since.
Interested in Reducing the Environmental Impact of Your Printed Materials?
Learn more about our sustainable printing approach, certifications, and carbon-balanced options with the B&B Press Impact Report 2024-25.
FAQs
What is sustainable printing?
Sustainable printing is the practice of reducing the environmental impact of printed materials across the entire production process. This includes:
- Responsible paper sourcing
- Reduced energy and water use
- Increased recycling and minimised waste
- Lower-impact inks, finishes, and printing processes
- Carbon reduction and responsible offsetting
A truly sustainable printer considers environmental impact from the selection of materials right through to the delivery of the final product, and can evidence the efforts made to reduce their carbon footprint.
Are there carbon-neutral printers in the North of England?
Yes, there are a number of printers in the North of England that offer carbon-neutral or carbon-balanced printing services. These printers typically:
- Measure emissions across their operations
- Make improvements to reduce their emissions
- Offset any remaining emissions through verified schemes, such as the World Land Trust Carbon Balanced Print certification
Is sustainable printing more expensive than standard printing?
Sustainable printing can be slightly more expensive than standard printing, but thanks to new technologies, the cost difference has reduced significantly in recent years. In many cases:
- Recycled paper costs are comparable
- Digital short-run printing reduces waste and helps to keep costs down
- Carbon-balanced options add only a small premium (although with some providers, such as B&B Press, carbon-balanced print is the same price as other standard printing options)
For many businesses, the environmental benefits and positive impact on brand reputation outweigh the small cost difference.
What certifications should a sustainable printer have?
A sustainable printer should hold recognised, independently verified certifications to evidence their sustainability claims. Common certifications include:
- FSC or PEFC for responsible paper sourcing
- ISO 14001 for environmental management systems
- Carbon offsetting or carbon-neutral accreditations from recognised providers, like the World Land Trust
Where can I find eco-friendly printing companies near me?
You can find trusted eco-friendly printing companies by:
- Searching for “sustainable printer” or “eco-friendly printer” plus your location
- Checking certification directories (such as Carbon Balanced Print suppliers)
- Reviewing printer sustainability pages for certifications and policies
Local printers with published environmental credentials are often a good starting point.
Which is the most sustainable commercial printing company in the North of England?
The most sustainable commercial printing company in the North of England is one that combines formal environmental certification, responsible materials sourcing, and measurable, evidenced carbon reduction. Based on these criteria, B&B Press is widely regarded as a strong option for those looking to partner with a sustainable printing company for their commercial print requirements.
Rather than focusing on one single initiative, the most sustainable commercial printers are able to demonstrate:
- Certified environmental management (through accreditations such as ISO 14001)
- Transparent sustainability practices and reporting
- An ongoing commitment to carbon reduction (through practice, processes, and partnerships)
Businesses looking for a sustainable printing partner should review evidence, certifications, and long-term strategy rather than trusting marketing claims alone.