Getting our arms - and our minds - around "green printing" is definitely a challenge! Here's a little quiz to check the validity of what we think we know about "green printing:"
  • Using FSC/SFI papers makes a print project "green." True or false? Check out what Vic Barkin has to say about certification here>> and here>>
  • Laminating a print project automatically makes it "not green." True or false? Read about new laminates here>>
  • Using inkjet printing technology makes a project "not green." True or false? Take a look a Andy Tribute's comments on PrintCEO Blog about inkjet technology at drupa here>>
  • Digital printing is "greener" than conventional offset printing. True or false? Watch a video snippet from Andy Tribute, Print is Greener Than You Think!, or Pat Henry, Efficient Printing Equals Green Printing.
The answer is almost always "it depends." We really need to clarify what shade of green? Before we get all tangled up in our shoe strings, it is really more important to look at a print project from beginning to end. Not just beginning with the print production process, but consider the purpose of the project, the design process, the distribution/fulfillment methods, and "end of life." Submit, if you please, your definition of "green printing." I believe we will find that green comes in all shades!