Sustainable Considerations for your next Print Project!
I’m sure most of you will agree that we have seen a monumental leap in the considerations taken when sustainably sourcing materials for printed projects. When I first started as a part of the paper and print industry nearly twenty years ago, most enquiries relating to specifying a paper was finding out which of our the papers were made with recycled fibre. As simple as that!
Let’s quickly go through some of the key areas to look at when going through the options with a client. First educate your client on the facts available to you and ask what is most important to them based on the message they want to convey to a wider audience through their stock selection.
Fibre Source
Q. Recycled or Virgin fibre?
A. Both!
Paper made with recycled fibres use an available resource and in turn diverts waste from landfill. Keep in mind that recycled fibres are not infinitely recyclable as the quality of fibre degrades each cycle. Virgin fibres are needed to replenish and maintain quality of recovered fibre in circulation. In turn this enables the strength, quality and availability of product to be maintained in a sustainable manner. FSC or PEFC certified virgin fibre is sourced from managed plantations, these production forests protect existing natural forests from illegal logging practices. By choosing to use an FSC or PEFC certified product you are supporting a resource that is responsibly managed, sustainable and 100% recyclable. If you are using an FSC or PEFC certified printer you are able to use the appropriate logo from the certifying body for use on your printed piece.
In essence, choosing a paper made from recycled fibre or responsibly managed production forests are equally great sustainable paper choice as you are contributing to the “cradle to cradle” circular economy created by the pulp and paper industry. Environmental manufacturing accreditations
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – ISO14001
- Made or certified Carbon Neutral
Most of the mils from which B&D access our stocks have an EMS system such as ISO14001 which is an international standard of continual improvement of manufacturing processes. This accreditation is strongly regarded in the industry as a mark of a reputable and responsible commercial operation. Papers that carry the made or manufactured
Carbon Neutral certification have had their total production of greenhouse gases calculated and then offset through carbon-credits. The European pulp and paper industry is also the biggest single user and producer of renewable energy in Europe, with 62% of its primary energy consumption coming from renewable sources (Cepi, Key Statistics, 2021).
Cradle to cradle solution
Q. Recyclable?
A. Yes!
Many of our fibre-based products offer a sustainable solution as by their very nature, these products are made from a resource that is truly renewable and 100% recyclable. We already have the recovery process in place with paper & cardboard products through regular council kerbside recycling collection. The paper-making industry is constantly promoting recycling and looking to improve the recovery of fibres and making the process more efficient. In Europe the 2030 target of 90% recycling rate (4evergreen, 2021) is forecast, at 2018 this figure stood at 83% (Eurostat, Recycling rate of packaging waste by type of packaging (EU28), 2018).
All of the above?
Q. Can I please have a paper that is 100% recycled,
FSC certified, made Carbon Neutral and recyclable?
A. ecoStar+ 100% Recycled & Impact 100% Recycled!
The bigger picture
Each day we are seeing and hearing of organisations and companies taking the step towards more sustainable choices with the materials they use as a part of their products, packaging and communication. Bayside City Council’s identified their corflute signage as area to improve on and approached Ball & Doggett for a solution. B&D have recently developed a revolutionary brand new product, Sharkskin Outdoor Display Board that answered the important issues that Bayside City Council wanted to address. The creation of this Australian Made, fibre-based 100% recyclable screen-board is actively disrupting the status quo of plastic corflute board used for short-term outdoor signage.
We had a little chat with Chris O’Neil from Bayside City Council to discuss the conversations around transitioning away from corflute to Sharkskin Outdoor Display Board.
Q. How did the initial conversation start with Ball & Doggett when you identified that you were looking at replacing your corflute with a more sustainable substrate?
A. Organising samples to be sent to two local signage companies, so they could trial the product on their printers.
Q. Can you please tell us what sort of signage you are using Sharkskin Outdoor Board for?
A. A mixture of signage that’s generally A1 in size and installed on star pickets or zip tied to a fence. The signage promotes Council events and community updates.
Q. How did you manage the recycling of the boards when they need to be updated?
A. The print quality seems good. The signage company is responsible for the recycling of the Sharkskin boards.
Q. What sort of feedback have you had from internal and external stakeholders regarding the switch from corflute to Sharkskin Outdoor Board?
A. All staff I have spoken to about the Sharkskin outdoor board are very keen and happy to stop using corflute and use the Sharkskin instead. The feedback has been positive.
Q. Now you have been a part of initiating an amazing transition from corflute to a recyclable and fibre-based solution, as a designer how does it feel working for Bayside City Council where they are
actioning a sustainable plan?
A. It’s nice being able to help make a difference by using less plastic and supporting Australian manufacturing.
If you would like to learn more about our sustainable products for your next project please email me: liam.fish@ballanddoggett.com.au
Article by Liam Fish,
Victorian Business Development Manager
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