Environmental Aspects

Most businesses have the need for print of some kind, from letterheads and business cards to full colour brochures or instruction manuals. The production of the paper and the printing requires many resources.

So purchasing sustainably is vital – that is, work that won’t damage our surroundings or resources for future generations.

Over recent years the environment has moved to become a key business concern and this concern has been shown to persist during an economic downturn. Addressing key environmental issues need not only be a cost as improved environmental practices can often reduce production and procurement costs.

Here we have put together a few simple steps that you can follow when ordering a print item

Preparing The Job

• If your job requires input from colleagues, seek it at the earliest stages and be clear as to who will have the final sign off.
• Think digitally, most businesses now have access to a range of software and equipment that can improve timescales, efficiency and environmental practices.
• Make effective use of paper by making sure you can get as many items onto one sheet as possible.
• Email is another bonus using minimal resources – use it to send text or even files where appropriate.
• Consider technology you can upload artwork to our ftp site even for large files upto 2GB and you can request on-line proofing at an early stage - we will then set you up on IN-Site for viewing proofs on-line. Both options save delivery and transport
• Type text using Word and email it instead of handing over a pile of written notes to your designer or printer.This will save a lot of preparation and artwork costs

Minimal Corrections

Once a job reaches the pre-press stage changes can be made but there is normally a charge - this can be avoided by proofing the job before it is sent to the printer 

• Avoid changes and amendments – as printers need to charge for their time
• Less amendments will also mean lower charges for you and less resources used.

Think Recycled And Sustainable

Using recycled paper is an obvious step to improve your print environmentally, and there is a vast choice available in all finishes and shades. Some recycled papers still present the old problems of looking a bit grainy or reducing the quality of the print, but many are now so sophisticated that they look and act like new papers – such as our letterheads and there are some 100% recycled papers offering these qualities - ask for your SylvaPack swatch and environmental print guide

• Choose recycled where possible – a wide selection is available in our SylvaPack swatch.
• If a suitable recycled sheet is not available, opt for FSC paper ensuring that the paper has been sourced from sustainably managed forests where trees are grown specifically to be used for paper, and are continuously replaced. Some good examples of FSC papers can be found in the free SylvaPack swatch.
• Extend the recycled aspect to include the envelopes or folders you use for your items, and even how you dispose of the paper when you’ve finished.

At Severnprint we address many other environmental issues see our Environmental Information section for more details.