2. Is the project designed to minimize waste? This is a big thing. There are lots of things that can be done to reduce the waste impact. For instance, understanding imposition is a great way to minimize waste. Yeah having a fun sized brochure is well fun.. but there is a reason things are 8.5 x 11 or 5.5 x 8.5. They fit very efficiently onto standard size press sheets.
3. Can it be smaller, lighter or made from fewer materials? Definitely. See above. You can also design as “self covers” This will cut down on plates, etc. I can obv. Talk about a lot of things on this subject… but that’s another story..
4. Is it designed to be durable or multi-functional? Well. Paper is actually very durable.
5. Does it use renewable resources? Paper is a renewable resource!
6. Is reuse practical and encouraged? Yes! People have the ability to keep printed material as long as they would like. Internet files etc, use electricity to power the computer, etc.
7. Are the product and packaging refillable, recyclable or repairable? YES! Paper is recyclable. The cardboard boxes it ships in can be reused along with the craft paper it is packaged with!! Consumers realize that paper is super recyclable which makes it even better. And even if they don’t recycle, it will decompose after a while.
8. Is it made with post-consumer recycled or reclaimed materials and how much? I can help pick out a sheet with the PCW you are looking for… sheets range from 0%, 10%, 30%, up to 100%. There are also some sheets made with alternative fibers like sugarcane.
9. Are the materials available in a less toxic form? Can it be made with less toxic materials? Again, this depends on what sheet you choose. Some papers have a ECF/PCF designation. This refers to the chlorine used in the bleaching process. Most printers (Wentworth included) are using soy based inks. The exception is UV inks (which are made from plastics)
10. Is it available from a socially and environmentally responsible company? I am the quality/sustainability person at my company… so I would say yes!
11. Is it made locally? I’m in Columbia, SC. But of course, because we’re part of the Consolidated Graphics group of companies, if you have a client in San Francisco, we can communicate with our sister plant Anderson Printing, have it print locally in California thus saving overnight FedEX air freight from SC to CA. Saving all that jet fuel, etc.
