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SUSTAINABLE PRINT: RECYCLED PAPER v FSC™ CERTIFIED PAPER
Kingsley’s eco-friendly approach to printing has seen the introduction of Kingsley O3, an environmentally aware division that complies with all appropriate environmental legislation, regulations and established best practices.
As part of helping advise our customers on a sustainable approach to printing, there are many kinds of environmentally friendly material to choose from. The question we are often asked is it better to use a recycled paper or environmentally certified paper by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™)?
Recycled Paper:
Not all recycled paper contains a very high level of old paper. Check percentages of post-consumer wastepaper and aim for 100%. Here’s our Pros and Cons when considering using recycled paper.
Pros:
- Recycled paper is a green option for your printing. It reduces the amount of waste going to landfill, as paper can be recycled multiple times.
- Many recycled papers offer a tactile feel and give your print an authentic eco-friendly look. This can help your business resonate with eco conscious customers.
Cons:
- Recycled paper often lacks the brightness and smoothness of virgin paper, which can reduce the quality of your print.
- Recycling paper requires a considerable amount of energy, potentially leading to higher carbon emissions.
- Recycled paper is often expensive due to the manufacturing processes involved.
Environmentally Certified Papers:
Environmental certification paper like FSC™ address the shortcomings of recycled paper while providing several benefits:
- Sustainable Sourcing: FSC™ ensure that paper comes from responsibly managed forests, promoting reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
- Quality Assurance: Environmentally certified papers maintain high printing quality, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from brochures to packaging.
- Traceability: These certifications provide a transparent supply chain, allowing consumers to trace the paper’s origin and verify its sustainability claims.
The vast majority of our productions use FSC™ certified materials. As Kingsley are certified with the FSC™, our customers can incorporate the FSC™ logo within their printed design, which is becoming particularly popular for packaging.
Kingsley can also offer our customers carbon balanced material through the World Land Trust and Woodland Trust. When it comes to endorsements, there is no bigger name than Sir David Attenborough. The British broadcaster, biologist and natural historian is an official Patron of the World Land Trust.
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