When you think of print marketing, sustainability probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, you might think the opposite. However, you’d be surprised to know just how sustainable the practice is. With years spent in the commercial printing industry, our team at Signature Graphics knows every aspect of the process like the back of their hand—and the sustainable pieces that companies incorporate into their business practices. In this blog, we explore sustainability in print marketing, eco-friendly measures being taken and more.
At first glance, you might immediately assume that print marketing is worse for the environment because, well… trees. It’s no secret that to print tangible marketing materials, you need paper.
What you might not know is that digital marketing also has a huge environmental impact. Every day, digital marketing requires a hefty sum of energy consumption and causes e-waste from old devices that aren’t biodegradable like paper. Once a device is retired, it must be disassembled and sorted before recycling. Then, all the fumes that come from breaking down the plastic and metal parts are sent into the air.
When deciding between digital or commercial print marketing, a lot of companies focus on sustainability and assume digital is better because it doesn’t unalive trees. However, it still has a huge effect on the planet and isn’t so different. So, what should you focus on instead? We’re glad you asked.
Between digital and print marketing, neither option is 100% sustainable. However, each company's approach to sustainability is different. If you discover a marketing company that values sustainability and goes out of its way to ensure eco-friendly practices are taking place, that should be your choice.
Another option would be to choose the marketing type that yields the greatest results, so you can get a stronger outcome with fewer emails, mailings, etc. The answer to this, however, is both. Integrating digital and print marketing ensures you get local brand reach and the best ROI. Removing one from the equation is like removing either the picture or messaging from social media posts. While each one works well, they work best in tandem to tell the full story.
To minimize their environmental impact and keep sustainability at the forefront, many commercial printing companies use eco-friendly initiatives as frequently as possible. Some companies offer biodegradable paper options and plant-based inks to ensure materials break down better. Many participate in recycling programs. Some upgrade their equipment to energy-efficient options and use UV and LED curing systems. Others simply ensure the final production is perfect to reduce unnecessary waste and increase effectiveness the first time around.
Once you select a commercial printing company that supports your environmental values, you can play a part by using your own eco-friendly initiatives. Some of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact in print marketing are by:
If you’re wondering where to find a sustainable print marketing company, you can search to find good companies in your area. Otherwise, if you’re ready to work with a company that values sustainability and your most impactful messaging, Signature Graphics can help you with your printing needs. Reach out today to get started.
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Portland, OR 97230
