Are There Eco-Friendly Printing Options?
The short answer is YES. If you’re planning to offset print your physical product; whether it’s a book, journal, board game or gift box…there are high quality, eco-friendly options.
Let’s explore a few budget-friendly ways you can produce a more sustainably-made product.
1. Soy-Based Inks: Clean, Green, and Brilliant
Soy-based ink offers a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based inks, which can contain harmful substances like lead.
In addition to being lead-free, soy ink provides several key benefits:
- Made from renewable resources instead of petroleum, reducing the environmental impact
- Vibrant, long-lasting colors without the use of heavy metals or toxic chemicals
- Easier to remove during paper recycling, contributing to a circular economy
- Lower VOC emissions during printing
- Free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for little hands to touch
- Soy-based inks deliver brilliant colors and durability
MCRL Overseas Group prints exclusively with soy-based ink because the color is stunning while being kinder to the environment and readers.
2. FSC-Certified Paper: Responsible Sourcing
FSC-certified paper guarantees that the paper you’re using comes from responsibly managed forests that adhere to rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards.
At MCRL, we only print on responsibly sourced wood fiber paper and tree-free (Bamboo) paper. If you choose paper certified as FSC then you can proudly display the FSC badge on your printed product and online description.
We offer a variety of high quality certified recycled papers, including Koehler Paper.
3. Koehler Recycled Paper and Board
This German manufacturer has a long history and excellent reputation in the paper industry.
Koehler is known for their high-quality papers/boards and commitment to recycling and sustainable production.
Koehler recycled paper and board options come in many colors, all made from 100% secondary fibers, combining environmental sustainability with vibrant design possibilities.
MCRL is a big fan of Koehler paper and board for packaging, hardcover books, journals, planners, card sets, board games, and many other creative printing applications.
4. Recycled Eska® board: Flat Is Where It’s At
Manufactured in the Netherlands, Eska® board is 100% RECYCLED solid board made with a production process centered around sustainability.
Since 2016, ESKA has reduced its carbon footprint by utilizing a gasification plant to convert paper waste into steam, powering their production. ESKA is working towards a zero-waste mill, and is achieving significant reductions in gas consumption and CO2 emissions.
We’re big fans of Eska® board not just because of its environmentally progressive manufacturing but it comes with one clear promise – to lay flat and stay flat. This means no dog ears, no curled edges, no warping.
The combination of durability and sustainability makes Eska® board an excellent choice for hardcover books, board books, journals and planners as it withstands wear and tear!
5. Trees for the Future: Plant Change
Choosing eco-friendly materials is just the start. We take our environmental commitment further by participating in reforestation programs.
At MCRL, we plant thousands of trees each year through Trees for the Future, helping to:
- Offset our carbon emissions
- Support biodiversity
- Help local communities
- Create sustainable agroforestry systems
When you choose MCRL as your printing partner, communicate that you chose a printer who contributes to changing lives by financially supporting the amazing work of TREES FOR THE FUTURE (@treesforthefuture).
Enjoy Eco-Friendly Printing Options With MCRL
More authors and publishers are prioritizing environmental responsibility and looking for planet-friendly materials and manufacturers.
The options with POD printing are limited. When you offset print your product with MCRL, you get:
- safe, sustainable soy ink
- recycled paper and board options
- a printer that is doing its best to print with the least environmental impact possible
Making sustainable choices doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Today’s eco-friendly materials and printing processes produce beautiful physical products that you can feel good about.
Ready to start your eco-friendly printed product? Contact us to discuss your sustainable printing options or request a quote!
