Last week,
PrintCity released a new special report called “Carbon Footprint & Energy Reduction for the Graphic Industry Value Chain.” I am just now working my way through the report, but the
raison d’être (I must stop using that phrase) of the report is severalfold, according to the researchers:
- To provide clarification and clarity—that is, information on issues, strategies, techniques, and technologies related to energy optimization.
- To offer advice on how to improve overall cost and environmental performance across the value chain—printers, publishers, brand owners, suppliers, et al.
The report looks at carbon and energy, especially as they relate to print media and packaging and across the supply chain, and offers a “carbon footprint evaluation.” There are also a few case studies included.
The report is also quick to add that it remains a work in progress.
It will likely surprise none of you that this jumped out at me:
It is estimated that internet data centres are responsible for around 1% of all GHG emissions — about a quarter of the ICT (information and communication technology) footprint of 4% (Gartner). These figures may be higher as a German Federal government report estimated that ICT took 10.5% of the country’s electricity consumption in 2007. In a sustainable future, paper and electronic media each have a relevant place. Misplaced perceptions that electronic media are more environmentally friendly than print confuse the issue. The real question is how the two platforms can work together to reduce the overall environmental burden. The internet will also be crucial to a low carbon world by facilitating smart energy grids. Therefore, it is not just technology developments that will affect the growing carbon footprint of the internet, but more importantly how this medium is used.
The pulp and paper industry is one of the world’s largest users of renewable, low-carbon energy. Around 50% of the primary energy used (e.g. purchase fuels) to make paper in Europe and the US comes from carbon neutral renewable resources and is produced on site at mills. In comparison, most IT data systems rely on conventional distributed power generation using fossil fuels.
Recycling can have a significant impact in the reduction of GHGs and energy use. The paper industry is the recycling leader in Europe with over 50% of its raw materials for production coming from recovered products.
For more information, otr to obtain a copy of the report, go
here.
About Richard Romano
Richard Romano is Managing Editor of WhatTheyThink. He curates the Wide Format section on WhatTheyThink.com. He has been writing about the graphic communications industry for more than 25 years. He is the author or coauthor of more than half a dozen books on printing technology and business. His most recent book is “Beyond Paper: An Interactive Guide to Wide-Format and Specialty Printing.
