Print buyers, like consumers in general, are looking to be more environmentally conscious when making their purchases. Here are just a few questions you customers may be asking you now. If not, they may soon ask them. Are you prepared?
- Do you have third-party verified certification(s) like: EcoLogo, FSC/SFI/PEFC chain of custody certification, SGP?
- Do you support clients' environmental initiatives and make them look good by offering environmental labeling and certification logos on their printed work?
- Do your paper purchasing practices support the protection of sustainable, well-managed forests?
- Are your processes managed to minimize their environmental footprint?
- Have you reduced or minimized VOC emissions?
- Do you conduct an annual laboratory analysis of your effluent to maintain sewer bylaw compliance?
- Have you received any industry-specific environmental awards?
- Are you acknowledged by your peers and clients as being an environmentally proactive printer and an environmental innovator?
- Have you conducted a comprehensive Pollution Prevention (P2) Assessment?
- Where does your energy come from? Do you use a green power supplier for your energy requirements?
- Do you have an active Health & Safety Committee and Policy?
- Are you committed to maintaining a safe working environment for your employees?
- Do you reduce and reuse rather than just recycle off-site?
- Have you measured and documented your environmental footprint?
- How much waste have you diverted from landfills? Or how much water have you saved through conservation or recycling practices?
- Are you committed to environmental education?
- Do you make a serious effort to educate your customers about ways to reduce their environmental footprint while still achieving their print objectives?
Modified from a list of "
Questions to Ask Your Printer" offered by
Colour Innovations, Toronto.
