RESPONSIBLE PRINT®
Choosing FSC paper and using a printer with a sensible environmental policy are easy first steps, but Responsible Print® goes much further than that.
None of us want doom - we all want to buy a positive message - but at the same time we are growing increasingly suspicious about green claims. If your organisation wants to communicate credibly about any part of its supply chain the whole process has to be taken into consideration. Specification, materials, print processes and product end of life are all important indicators when sustainability is being addressed.
Responsible Print® is built on transparency, consistency, authenticity and real values and it is the only label which looks at the bigger picture. The criteria below sets the bench mark which qualifies your printed material to use the Responsible Print® logo. In turn, the logo reinforces your message and shows that you have made every effort to specify and produce your print in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way.
As a minimum:
- printed by ISO 14001 certified printer
- paper must contain at least 50% recycled fibre content
- papers with virgin fibre content must have FSC or PEFC certification
- all process inks used are vegetable oil based
- any gloss, semitone or matt laminates used must be biodegradable and cold compostable
- if lamination is used it must be applied to on one side of the sheet only unless clear printed instructions on the item advise composting instead of recycling after use
- polywraps for mailing outers should be as thin as practicably possible and can be biodegradable if appropriate*
- the entire life cycle of the printed item has undergone carbon footprint analysis and a payment has been made to offset the estimated CO2 emissions
- rigorous, innovative and genuine environmental protection schemes are in place within the supply chain
- every quote and invoice carry details of the CO2 emissions associated with the project, giving you unparalleled accountability and ability to assess the impact of your print
Ask for your next print job to be Responsible Print®, the Four Corners team will answer any questions you may have.