Eco-Paper 101: Making the Right Choice

In today's printing world there are numerous choices when it comes to selecting paper and the environment.  As a consumer, your choice should be an informed one!

When selecting a paper for your project, some important factors to consider are:

• Price
• Whiteness
• Brightness
• Opacity
• The Environment

This post looks at some of the main environmental considerations.

How does paper rank in regard to the environment?

There are many factors to consider when determining what is the most environmentally friendly choice, such as:  What source was the paper made from (virgin wood, recycled, or alternative non-tree sources), what chemicals were involved in its processing, and how far does it need to travel.
Although virgin papers may not be as environmentally friendly as recycled alternatives, if your choice is to use virgin paper, consider using one that comes from a managed forest and has been certified by an organization such as the Forest Stewardship Council.

To help you understand the environmental impact of different types of paper, we have included the following paper steps rating chart created by WhatsInYourPaper.com:

Want To See The Numbers?

In this chart, the Environmental Defense Fund compares the major environmental inputs and outputs from producing different types of paper:  1 ton of virgin paper, 1 ton of 50% recycled paper, and one ton of 100% recycled paper.  Clearly, the recycled option is the least harmful.

Chemical Processing:

There are several bleaching processes that are involved in producing paper.  The least environmentally friendly are ones that involve chlorine because they produce dioxins and other chemical pollutants in the process.  Just as there are eco-friendly alternatives to obtain pulp, there is also an eco-hierarchy in chemical processing as illustrated below:

The Transportation factor:

Buying local is environmentally the best choice because transportation consumes energy and produces greenhouse gases, particularly because paper is so heavy.  Moreover, it is important to consider the supply chain.  For example, a mill may be local but its source pulp comes from across the globe.

In Conclusion:

When it comes to choosing the environmentally-friendly paper, look for a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials.  If there is no good recycled option, the next best choice is paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.  Look for chlorine-free certifications, and of course, buy local!

Young's Printing is proud to offer an extremely broad selection of papers.  As you can see, the environmental considerations alone can be daunting, and we may have barely skimmed the surface in this post.  We are happy to consult with you to make sure you make the right paper choice for your next printing project.

Have a different point of view?  Did we miss some critical elements in the eco-equation?  Please respond to this blog and let us--and the rest of the blogosphere know!

Eco-Friendly Printing

QR Codes: What Are They and How Can They Work for You?

Send in your guess to the following link to enter our contest:  Contest Entry

QR Code

What is this funny little square box?

It's called a QR code, short for a "Quick Response" link that is used with a camera equipped mobile phone.  Your camera phone using this QR code connects you directly with a website, text, or contact information.  All you have to do is take a picture of it, your phone scans it, and then connects you instantly.

QR Codes are an exciting way to reach your customers.  They are another innovative way the world has become interconnected.  Join the excitement and incorporate QR Codes into your business offerings today.  The possibilities are endless!

 

Here are some ways Young's Printing can help you take advantage of QR codes in your business:

• Business Cards/Collateral - Include QR codes on your business cards or collateral so that your customers can easily access your business information, map your location, and store your business information on their phone or computer.

•  Sales flyers -Use QR codes on sales flyers to lead consumers to special coupons.

•  Posters - A QR code on a poster can lead consumers to a video preview, photo slide show, audio and/or text.

•   Real Estate Signs -A QR Code on a Real Estate sign in front of a house can lead your potential customer to a site providing additional property information on that house and put them in direct contact with the Agent.

• Magazine ads - Design a magazine ad that contains a QR Code for your catalog items.  Your customer can scan the QR code from the magazine advertisement with their smart phone and be instantly connected to your on-line site to purchase that particular item.

• Signs - Whether it is in a building on a street or trail, signs with QR codes can provide your customers with location information, or perhaps enable them to a self-guided tour.

• Promotional Items - QR codes have been used on t-shirts and other products to advertise an event.  Scan the link and you will be directed to a url that provides you with information on that upcoming event.

What's the benefit of using QR Codes in your business? 

• Market - They have the potential to reach a much broader market resulting in a cost savings to you.
• Future - QR Codes are a way of the future, keep your business fresh and exciting by incorporating QR codes into your business and business collateral.
• On demand - consumers can take immediate action to your business offerings.  
• Tracking - provides you with an additional way to track and analyze your customers and your business offerings.

How do you scan the QR codes?
 Watch these brief videos for a demonstration on how to scan a QR Code.







Let Young's Printing super-charge your business by using QR Codes on all of your business collateral.

Visit our website Young's Printing, send us an e-mail or come by and see us in person on Court Street in Middletown.


(Your camera equipped mobile phone may need a reader application to scan QR codes. QR readers applications are available at the following site for free. QR Code Readers )