Paper as a raw material: sustainable by nature
When it comes to the sustainability of printing and paper, it is important to know that the European paper industry is a world leader when it comes to sustainably sourced raw materials, renewable energy and recycling rates.
Sustainably managed forests also play an indispensable role in the printing industry. By the way: Between 2005 and 2020, European forests will grow by 58,390 square kilometres - that's an area larger than Switzerland and equivalent to more than 1,500 football pitches per day! Source: FAO data, 2005-2020
The paper industry also uses recognised forestry certification systems. This ensures that the virgin fibres come from sustainable sources. Paper is recycled to a high degree and is reused an average of 3.8 times in Europe.
In 2020, a total of 56 million tonnes of paper were collected and recycled in Europe, which corresponds to a recycling rate of 74%. This is close to the estimated practical maximum of 78%.
Digital printing: environmentally friendly by nature.
Digital printing is an environmentally friendly option, especially for small and medium print runs.
Thanks to the latest innovative and environmentally friendly printing technologies, we can guarantee ecological print production in digital printing.
Digital printing conserves resources, as this printing process produces hardly any waste. In stark contrast to offset printing.
Print-on-demand: resource-saving by nature.
Digital printing is an excellent way to print selectively - and therefore environmentally friendly. However, if you only use the cheapest paper, you can't achieve this, even if the packaging is labelled with a blue environmental angel.
Digital printing processes save materials and energy. If, like us, you also specialise in print-on-demand, then you are way ahead in terms of environmental protection. No waste, no unnecessary storage and no print products that end up in the bin because they are long out of date. Consistently printing only what is really needed is only possible with digital printing.
For this reason, the importance of the FSC®* / PEFC environmental seal is immense. Anyone who produces in accordance with these certifications stands for the responsible use of wood as a resource. This is because only wood and paper products that have undergone an elaborate testing procedure are awarded the coveted certificates. As an environmentally conscious digital print shop, we see it as our duty to offer our customers the opportunity to produce their print products in a climate-neutral manner in accordance with these certifications.
* FSC® Licence code: FSC-C011862.
ISO 14001 certification because we care about the environment.
By implementing the requirements of ISO 14001, for example, we reduce energy and water consumption, minimise waste and avoid environmentally harmful substances. For our customers, certification brings not only ecological but also economic benefits.
It is an important tool for producing print products in an environmentally friendly, resource-conserving and responsible manner. View news article
All certifications:
PEFC Chain of Custody Certified FSC Mix, FSC Recycled Location Bretten + Ergolding FSC Mix, FSC Recycled Location Göttingen DIN EN ISO 14001:2015:Location Bretten DIN EN ISO 14001:2015:Location Ergolding
Paper consumption: only low greenhouse gas emissions.
With a share of 0.8% of total European emissions, the paper, pulp and printing industry is one of the sectors with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from the paper industry fell by 48% per tonne between 1990 and 2019. In addition, the European pulp and paper industry is the largest single consumer and producer of renewable energy in Europe.
Between 2010 and 2018, the European paper industry reduced its total primary energy consumption by 11.6 The environmental impact of our personal paper consumption is therefore nowhere near as high as generally assumed. In Europe, everyone uses an average of 119 kg of paper per year. This amount of paper generates 73 kg of CO2, which corresponds to a journey of approx. 600 km in an average European car.
Request a presentation Find a contact person
