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Designing a Green ink® Project

Decisions concerning your design are crucial when considering its environmental impact. How environmentally friendly your printing is can be drastically improved by asking a few simple questions. Consult your printer about any questions you may have and stay up-to-date on the latest in earth-friendly and energy-saving technologies.

PLANNING

Paper

  • What is the recycled content of the paper?
  • If not, does it come from a sustainable source such as FSC.
  • Does the paper source use renewable energy in its manufacturing process?

Design

  • Does the piece make good use of the paper, and fit on most standard sheets?
  • Is the design too complex which may lead to unneeded waste?
  • Are there multiple functions it can perform? (Ex. A brochure that can also be a self-mailer.)
  • Are color proofs necessary or can a PDF be used?
  • Is the design open to eco-friendly suggestions?

PRINTING

  • Are the inks vegetable based AND low VOC?
  • Can the design use fewer inks with less coverage and still keep its effectiveness?
  • Are metallic inks necessary?
  • Is the printer FSC certified? Southeastern Printing is among the 1% of Florida printers certified, and was one of the first.
  • Can the piece print digitally? Digital has many eco-benefits. It allows for on demand printing and less waste.

FINISHING

  • Can embossing or die-cutting be used in place of foil stamping?
  • Are the glues used non-toxic? Can it saddle-stitch instead?
  • Is the piece packaged wisely, avoiding shrink-wrapping?

ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE

  • What logos can be included on the piece about its environmentally-friendly production?
  • Is the user encouraged to recycle the piece when finished with the piece?

REGULATED LOGOS

  • Used when falling within strict compliance of respective guidelines.
  • Our prepress department will add these logos to approved pieces. Be sure to leave room in your design.

SAMPLE LOGOS

  • Are great addition to your piece, but not regulated.

Made from recycled materials

Product is
recyclable

Product is
recyclable

Product is recyclable and is made from 100% recycled material

Customer is
encouraged to recycle

Customer is
encouraged to recycle

 

Downloadable Recycle Logo Art
GUIDES FOR THE USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MARKETING CLAIMS by the FTC


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By Southeastern Printing