The Basics on Sustainability

It seems that we’ve finally gotten to a place where almost everyone is thinking of environmental responsibility in one form or another. In Los Angeles, we recycle more that what we throw out. At the Kitchen, our clients are asking more and more about what they can do to be more responsible in their production chain. And although we are certainly not experts, we try to be as informed as possible and as current as possible on the latest in sustainable papers, inks, and accessories.

For someone that is just getting into learning about this subject, The Story of Stuff is a great place to start. It details the production process from extraction to consumption in a compelling format. On the production end, here are some basics that may be useful when considering materials for the next packaging or printing job:

• Paper Using paper or paperboard can help to minimize the use of heavy carbon emitters such as steel and plastics.
• Virgin paper has a direct impact on the forest and requires the most energy to manufacture, although it can be the most chemical-free paper. Getting paper from a sustainable source can ensure the process is managed responsibly.
• Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) board is the most widely used paperboard. Although this paper does not use chemicals in the process, it is recyclable and can be a better alternative to plastic.
• FSC Certified Paper comes from responsibly managed forests, ensuring processes and procedures were eco-friendly. When printers receive FSC Certification, a logo is issued that tracks certified wood from the forest, through each stage of production and distribution.
• Recycled Paper can be a blend of recycled paper fiber and may also contain virgin paper fiber.
• Pre-Consumer Waste (or Post-Industrial Waste) paper contains fibers that were recycled from waste at a mill, fabricator, and/or printer. It has never been used by a consumer.
• Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) paper contains fiber that has been circulated to and recycled by consumers. This paper is considered the most environmentally efficient because it has already completed at least one useful life before starting a new cycle.
• Inks With inks, it is important to know how much volatile organic compound (VOC) is emitted, whether it comes from a renewable resource, and whether it contains heavy metals.
• Vegetable Oil-Based Inks, also known as Agri-oil based inks, are made from renewable resources and emit less VOCs.
• Petroleum Based Inks are not considered sustainable due to the high percentage of VOCs emitted. Also, they do not come from a renewable resource.
• UV Inks dry quickly, so they emit little or no VOCs. UV inks can also be repulped, de-inked, and recycled.
• Eco-Friendly Finishings Finishing techniques such as embossing, die-cutting, and foil stamping can enhance a package or printed piece and can be eco-friendly at the same time.
• Embossing does not use any ink in the die making process. Also, dies can be reused from project to project.
• Die-Cutting also does not use any ink and can be reused. Additionally, die-cutting allows packaging to be created in unique shapes and can make for an interesting layered experience for the end user.
• Foil Stamping is attention grabbing on the package or printed collateral, and not all foils use chemicals. When paperboard is foil stamped, it can still be recycled.

Paper, Inks, and Finishings information adapted from BertCo’s Sustainable Tips in the Folding Carton World.