Want to help save the planet without breaking a sweat? At a time when we are all looking for ways to limit our environmental footprint, there are steps you can take that are convenient and cost efficient. It’s all about making small choices that add up to big differences over time. One easy way is to use recycled paper.

For many people, recycled paper still conjures images of brown, speckled, grainy products that look more like newsprint or cardboard than regular paper stock. They couldn’t be more mistaken. Today’s recycled paper is virtually indistinguishable from virgin paper stock, nearly identical in whiteness, brightness and opacity. Quality recycled paper now performs just like virgin stock.

To see the impact of choosing recycled stock for projects, a paper calculator can be used. The device, created by Environmental Defense, helps business consumers estimate the environmental savings accrued from using recycled stock instead of virgin paper. By entering the amount of paper in tons, it calculates the estimated wood, total energy, greenhouse gases, wastewater and solid waste a company avoids using simply by purchasing recycled paper. For more information, visit http://www.environmentaldefense.org.

Green Choices Are Good for the Bottom Line
In a recent survey, more than 70 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to do business with a company that uses “green” sustainable business practices. That means anything a company can do to reduce their impact on the environment also helps their corporate image with customers and ultimately, their sales.

At the same time that awareness about the environment has risen, the business environment has become more competitive. Companies are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves from competitors in a crowded marketplace. By dealing with other businesses that use sustainable practices, a company can share in that environmental identity.

Choosing environmentally friendly options and business partners can allow a company to place environmental logos on company packaging, marketing collateral or a website. Several organizations provide and oversee certification for companies that implement and use sustainable practices. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certify paper mills and printers that use wood pulp from sustainable forests, creating a chain of custody. The Green-e certification is given to companies that use renewable energy.

How does it work? Here’s one example. If your company uses packaging manufactured in a FSC-certified mill and created in a FSC-certified printing and post press facility like Delta Printing Solutions, the packaging will carry the FSC logo. Consumers who see the tightly-controlled FSC symbol will know your company is taking tangible steps to help the environment.

Recycled paper does cost slightly more than high-quality virgin paper, but the higher price may be offset by the positive results. Developing a reputation for environmental leadership and responsibility adds to a company’s brand credibility and public relations efforts.

Practicing What We Preach
In partnership with our recycled paper supplier Grays Harbor, Delta Printing Solutions offers FSC-certified and endorsed paper in both 40 percent and 100 percent post consumer waste content. Both Delta Printing Solutions and Grays Harbor are committed to being good corporate citizens, capitalizing on the momentum toward a cleaner environment and promoting recycled materials as a viable alternative.

Grays Harbor is an independent paper mill in Hoquiam, Washington that exclusively produces high-quality post consumer waste recycled paper. They are FSC-certified and also certified by Green-e, the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy.

The Delta Printing Solutions Advantage
Delta Printing offers a wide range of options for every project, beginning with the right paper choice. Our state-of-the-art prepress, printing and bindery services are under one roof to meet all your needs. We are your single resource for top-quality, reliable, on-time production. Contact us today to discuss your next project.

Back to Tips