This blog explores eco-conscious printing choices that faith-based publishers can make to combat carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts, all while upholding quality and mission. We’ll look at sustainable paper and ink options, efficient printing practices and the benefits these choices bring to both the planet and the people you serve.

Sustainable Paper Options: Recycled Paper

One of the most impactful choices a publisher can make is in the paper itself. Traditionally, printing has been associated with deforestation, but today recycled and responsibly sourced papers offer a greener path. Using recycled paper, made from post-consumer waste, helps reduce demand for virgin wood pulp and saves resources. By diverting used paper from landfills, recycled stocks give a second chance to fibers, cutting down on waste and lowering the overall carbon footprint of print projects.

Many printers offer recycled paper options. For example, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ incorporates recycled material whenever possible, even using recycled boards for hardcover book covers and packaging with at least 35% post-consumer fiber. This kind of commitment ensures that a large portion of the paper in your hymnals or workbooks is not coming straight from fresh-cut trees.

FSC® and SFI®-Certified Paper

Equally important is choosing paper from responsibly managed forests. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) on your paper options. These certifications guarantee that the paper’s wood fiber comes from forests managed with rigorous standards for environmental and social responsibility. By selecting FSC®-certified paper, faith-based publishers contribute to sustainable forestry practices that protect ecosystems and wildlife for future generations.

In practical terms, an FSC® or SFI® logo means the trees harvested for your books are replaced or allowed to regrow, biodiversity is respected and harmful practices, like clear-cutting old-growth forests or using certain chemicals, are avoided. Many congregations specifically want paper that reflects care for creation, so using certified stocks is a tangible way to communicate ecological responsibility to your community.

Vegetable-Based Inks and Green Print Materials

The choice of ink and other materials in printing can significantly affect the environmental impact of your publications. Traditional inks are petroleum-based, relying on nonrenewable resources and emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they dry. These VOCs contribute to air pollution and smog. An eco-conscious alternative is vegetable-based inks such as those made from soy, corn or other plant oils. These inks offer a more sustainable and safer solution.

Many printers, including ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, have adopted vibrant vegetable-based inks that are both high quality and environmentally friendly. These inks are derived from renewable resources and are biodegradable, meaning they can naturally decompose after use. They also emit far fewer VOCs, resulting in lower overall emissions and a healthier work environment.

Beyond inks, look for other eco-friendly materials and processes. Modern presses can use aluminum printing plates that are recycled after each print run, instead of single-use plastic or film. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, for example, recycles nearly 1 million pounds of aluminum printing plates every year, along with tens of millions of pounds of paper and fiber products that can be reused in future printing projects.

Efficient Printing Practices and Waste Reduction

Eco-conscious printing is not just about what goes into the book; it’s also about how the book is produced. Efficient production practices can greatly reduce waste, energy use and carbon emissions. One key approach is working with printers who prioritize waste reduction and recycling at every step. For example, at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s facilities, every scrap of paper trimmed from a religious workbook and every bit of excess binding material is carefully collected and recycled, rather than thrown away.

Such diligent recycling efforts mean that millions of pounds of materials get a second life instead of entering landfills. In fact, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alone recycles about 30 million pounds of paper and fiber each year, a testament to how industry practices can minimize environmental footprints. As a publisher, you can ask your printer about recycling programs and policies. Do they recycle leftover paper, metal plates and ink waste? The best partners will have concrete answers.

Benefits for the Earth and Your Faith Community

Embracing eco-conscious printing choices yields a dual reward: environmental benefits and positive impacts for your faith community and customers. The environmental upsides are clear. By using FSC®-certified or recycled paper, you help preserve forests and biodiversity. Every FSC® purchase supports forestry that keeps ecosystems intact and even helps prevent carbon-releasing events like wildfires through responsible management.

By using vegetable-based inks and reducing chemical use, you cut down on air pollution and make recycling easier on the back end. Waste reduction and efficient presses translate directly into fewer greenhouse gas emissions – less energy consumed, less waste decomposing or incinerated. All these measures contribute to combating climate change and protecting the Earth for future generations.

Support Your Message With Sustainable Print

Across faith traditions, there is a calling to act as good stewards of our resources and care for the world around us. For religious publishers, every choice in the printing process is an opportunity to live out that calling.

By selecting environmentally responsible paper, using plant-based inks, minimizing waste and partnering with printers committed to sustainability, faith-based organizations can reduce the carbon emissions and ecological impacts of their print projects. These eco-conscious choices ensure that producing the materials that nurture faith does not come at the expense of the Earth. Instead, it becomes a dual service – nourishing minds and spirits while also safeguarding our home.

If you’d like to learn more about how ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ supports faith-based publishers with sustainable print solutions, get in touch with us today.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-o3 Pro Deep Research large language AI model.

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Whether you’re an established publisher or a brand with a growing need for printed communications, these practical tips will help reduce your environmental impact while maintaining high-quality results.

1. Work with a Sustainable Printing Partner

The first and arguably most impactful choice you can make is selecting a printer that prioritizes sustainability in both practice and philosophy. Look for a printing partner that:

• Is certified with environmental organizations, such as the (FSC®) or the (³§¹ó±õ®).
• Employs renewable energy in production facilities.
• Invests in waste reduction and recycling programs throughout their operations.

A sustainable printer will often be transparent about their processes and be eager to help you achieve your own eco-friendly goals.

2. Choose Environmentally Responsible Paper

Paper selection is critical when it comes to sustainable printing. In 2025, there are more eco-conscious paper options available than ever, without sacrificing quality. Here’s what to look for:

• Recycled Content: Choose paper that includes post-consumer recycled content, ideally 30% or more. Many premium recycled options now match the appearance and feel of virgin paper.
• Forest Certification: Paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) ensures responsible sourcing from well-managed forests.
• Alternative Fibers: Some printers offer paper made from agricultural waste or fast-growing plants like hemp or bamboo, which reduce reliance on traditional tree-based sources.

Ask your printer for recommendations based on your project specs and sustainability goals.

3. Be Mindful of Ink Choices

Not all inks are created equal. Petroleum-based inks have long been the industry standard, but they come with a higher environmental cost. For a greener print job, consider:

• Soy- and Vegetable-Based Inks: These inks are derived from renewable resources and produce lower VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.
• Low-VOC or VOC-Free Inks: VOCs contribute to air pollution and smog. Choosing low- or zero-VOC inks helps improve air quality and workplace safety.
• Digital Toner Printing: Some digital printing presses use toner-based printing, which may be a good option for reducing the emissions associated with ink. Digital toner printing is effective for short-run projects like photo books and marketing materials.

In 2025, many printers offer environmentally friendly inks as their default or will happily make accommodations upon request.

4. Print Only What You Need

One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to avoid overprinting. While that may sound obvious, it’s important to calculate exactly how many copies you need to avoid excess inventory and paper waste. Avoiding overprinting not only reduces your company’s environmental impact but also saves money on printing and material costs.

Consider these methods:

• Print-on-Demand (POD): Great for books and catalogs with fluctuating demand, POD eliminates unnecessary waste by printing only when there’s a confirmed need.
• Short Runs: Digital printing allows for smaller print quantities, which lessens storage needs and reduces unsold inventory.
• Data-Driven Distribution: Use analytics to refine your mailing lists or distribution points, targeting only the most relevant recipients.

5. Design With Sustainability in Mind

Eco-conscious design can go a long way toward minimizing your project’s footprint. Your creative team and your printer can collaborate to make design decisions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining your desired aesthetic. 

Here are a few sustainable design tactics to keep in mind:

• Optimize Dimensions: Standard sizes typically produce less paper waste during the trimming process. Talk to your printer about the most efficient trim sizes.
• Use Minimalistic Design Elements: Large solids of dark ink use more resources. Clean, simple designs that use white space effectively can be both modern and sustainable.
• Consider Binding Options: Some bindings are more recyclable than others. For example, saddle-stitching (stapled spines) is easier to recycle than perfect binding (glued spines).

6. Eco-Friendly Packaging and Fulfillment

Once your printed pieces are ready to ship, how they’re packaged and delivered makes a difference. Here are some tips for keeping your fulfillment program sustainable:

• Choose Recyclable or Compostable Packaging Materials: Avoid plastic where possible. Cardboard, paper-based mailers and compostable films are all viable alternatives.
• Use Minimal Packaging: Eliminate excess filler and avoid double boxing when possible.
• Consolidate Shipments: Batch deliveries or use regional fulfillment centers to reduce the number of trucks on the road and overall fuel consumption.

7. Offset Carbon Emissions

Even with the most responsible practices, printing and shipping create carbon emissions. Fortunately, carbon offset programs can help balance that impact.

• Work with printers that participate in offset programs, such as reforestation efforts or renewable energy investments.
• Seek out low-emission printing equipment: Working with a printing partner that has installed low-emission presses and equipment in their plant goes a long way in keeping your printing program sustainable.
• Consider voluntary offsets for your projects through certified organizations like or .

Keep Your Printing Program Sustainable With ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´

Sustainability in printing isn’t a passing trend – it’s an evolving standard. In 2025, the tools, technology and materials exist to create beautiful printed pieces without sacrificing environmental responsibility. By making thoughtful choices at every stage of the process – from paper and ink to packaging and partnerships – publishers and businesses can reduce their impact while still reaping the many benefits of print.

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s commitment to sustainability influences our business practices at every step. We’ve implemented green initiatives in our printing process, such as installing low-emission press equipment and using aluminum plates that are easily recyclable. We also use vibrant vegetable-based ink, which is not only safer for the environment but also simplifies the recycling process compared to traditional petroleum-based ink. Additionally, we recycle over 30 million pounds of fiber-based products annually, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

If you’re ready to partner with a printer who helps set the standard of sustainable printing in 2025, contact us today to get started.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language AI model.

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Supporting Our Team: A Foundation of Growth

A happy, skilled and engaged team is the cornerstone of our success. We prioritize the well-being of our employees by offering:

Competitive Pay and Benefits: We strive to provide industry-leading compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.

Training and Advancement Opportunities: We invest in the growth of our team through ongoing training programs, job shadow opportunities and clear career paths.

Employee Engagement Initiatives: We actively seek employee feedback through initiatives like our annual Employee Engagement Survey. This valuable input has helped us identify areas for improvement and implement changes that enhance the employee experience.

By creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, we empower our team to excel and achieve their full potential.

Serving Our Customers: Unparalleled Partnership

Our commitment to our customers goes beyond simply fulfilling orders. We strive to be true partners by providing:

Unrivaled Customer Service: We prioritize building strong, long-term relationships with our customers based on trust, communication and a deep understanding of their unique programs. Our skilled Sales Representatives are trained to find unique solutions to meet our customers’ needs while helping them stay on schedule and within budget. Our dedicated Customer Service Representatives practice open communication, relaying any changes or complications in the printing process to ensure on-time delivery.

Top-Quality Printing Solutions: ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ invests in state-of-the-art printing equipment and expert employees so our customers know they can expect high-quality print pieces every single time. We employ G7-certified staff who help ensure perfect color representation with each print.

Decades of Stability: With over 88 years of experience in the printing industry, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ has a strong track record of continuing to serve our customers despite changing economic and supply chain factors. With a strategically developed supply chain, we source the majority of our raw materials from U.S.-based suppliers, putting our company in a strong position against potential foreign import tariffs.

Giving Back to Our Communities: A Commitment to Growth

As a company deeply rooted in our communities, we believe in giving back. We are proud to:

Support Local Economies: Our operations in small towns like Marceline, Missouri, provide valuable job opportunities and contribute significantly to the local economy. Our printing facilities are located in Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.Ìý

Invest in Community Programs: We actively support local organizations and initiatives through programs like the ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Family Foundation. For example, the Foundation has provided significant support to the , providing recreational opportunities and community gathering space for local residents. In 2023, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ also pledged a donation of $100,000 over five years to the Boys & Girls Club of Ripon, Wisconsin, helping support their campaign to build a new facility that offers a full-size gym, teen center and on-site trade work learning opportunities.

Implement Sustainable Printing Practices: ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ holds certifications with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) program and the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) (FSC-C004755). Through every step of our manufacturing process, we adhere to our established chain of custody procedures. These procedures ensure that we purchase, track, produce and deliver products with raw materials harvested and produced from responsible and renewable sources. Additionally, we’ve installed low-emission press equipment in our plants and use easily recyclable, vegetable oil-based ink to minimize our carbon footprint.

By actively engaging with our communities, we strive to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those who live and work in the areas where we operate.

Explore Exciting New Opportunities With ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´

At ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, we believe in a holistic approach to business success. We are committed to creating a thriving environment for our team, building strong partnerships with our customers and making a meaningful difference in our communities.

We invite you to learn more about how ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ can support your magazine, catalog and book printing needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you achieve your goals.

* This article was developed with assistance from Google’s PaLM 2 large language AI model.

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The print industry has always been more environmentally conscious than people think, and especially in recent years, it has been developing new standards and processes to help protect the earth.Ìý

Here are some of the changes we’ve been seeing in the print industry that are cutting emissions and contributing to a better future for all:

Ethical Sourcing: A Renewable Supply

One of the biggest misconceptions about the print industry is that natural, historic forests are being cut down to create paper. In reality, paper trees are planted and grown, like a crop, to create a steady, renewable supply. Once these trees are cut down to make paper, the stumps are left to feed the local flora and fauna, and new trees begin to grow through replanting and natural regeneration.Ìý

Recycled Paper: Reducing Waste

Paper is the cornerstone of printing, so it’s crucial to source it responsibly. Many printing companies make a point to offer recycled paper options to their customers, derived from previously used paper. These efforts not only reduce demand for virgin trees, but also require less water and energy during production.

At ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, we incorporate recycled material into our printing process whenever possible. For example, all the boards used to make hardcover book covers are made with recycled materials. In addition, most of our packaging is made with recycled fiber which incorporates at least 35% post-consumer material.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Paper

As an alternative to recycled paper, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ offers Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified options. FSC is an organization dedicated to ensuring responsible forest management. By choosing FSC-certified paper, you contribute to sustainable forestry practices that protect ecosystems and wildlife for future generations.

Vegetable-Based Inks: A Biodegradable Alternative

Historically, printing inks relied on petroleum-based ingredients, which are not renewable and are difficult to dispose of in a sustainable way. Many printing companies, including ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, offer vegetable oil-based inks as a more sustainable solution.Ìý

Derived from renewable resources like soybeans, corn and other vegetables, these inks are biodegradable, meaning they decompose naturally after use, minimizing environmental impact and making them easy to recycle. Additionally, these inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, resulting in lower overall emissions.

Waste Reduction: Recycling To Minimizing Footprint

Waste minimization is another pillar of sustainable printing. The print industry has made strides in promoting responsible recycling practices. Special care is taking during the printing process to recycle paper, packaging and printing plates so these materials can be reused in future prints.Ìý

ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alone recycles nearly 1 million pounds of aluminum and 30 million pounds of paper and fiber-based products annually. Our manufacturing experts are always looking for new opportunities to recycle and incorporate recycled materials in the printing process.

Energy Efficiency: Powering a Sustainable Future

Energy consumption is another area targeted by the print industry’s sustainability efforts. Across the supply chain and through production, companies are committed to finding new ways to reduce energy waste. For example, our major paper supplier has developed generated during the papermaking process, using it to help power their plant and heat nearby communities.

The Results Are In!

We’re proud to say that these environmental efforts are proving effective. Over the past 10 years, our efforts to create a greener operation have led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions. However, that doesn’t mean our work is done. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s experts are always working to find cleaner, more efficient processes to minimize our environmental impact and protect our planet.

Why Partner with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ for Sustainable Printing?

Choosing ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ as your printing partner means more than just creating high-quality printed materials. You’re partnering with a company dedicated to sustainability. We provide a diverse range of eco-friendly options, encompassing paper, inks and printing equipment. We continuously innovate and explore new avenues to minimize our environmental impact.

If you’re looking for a printing partner that aligns with your values, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is ready to help create your next project. Contact us today to explore our sustainable printing practices and how we can help you achieve your printing goals while safeguarding the environment. Together, let’s print a future that’s bright, sustainable and filled with vibrant possibilities.

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Sourcing Trees Responsibly

Most of our paper comes from forests in the Great Lakes region in Northern Michigan. The remainder is harvested ethically from responsibly managed forests in other parts of the world. Each harvested tree provides enough paper for roughly 8,000 sheets. After harvesting, tree stumps are left to nourish the ecosystem, and new trees grow through replanting and natural regeneration.

Energy-Efficient Paper Production

Once they reach the paper mill, the logs are shredded and transformed into pulp, the foundation for our paper. Any water used in the pulp-making process is reused before being returned to nearby waterways. Additionally, these paper mills strategically reuse excess heat generated during processing, improving energy efficiency.

Reducing Emissions During Transport

Whenever possible, we choose rail transportation for our paper shipments, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to road freight. By sourcing the majority of our paper from the continental United States, we reduce the need for large-scale overseas transportation, further reducing energy use and emissions.

Sustainable Printing Practices

Our commitment to eco-friendly printing starts with low-emission press equipment. Aluminum printing plates, meticulously laser-etched for each project, are recycled after use. Furthermore, we use vibrant vegetable-based inks that are safer for the environment and easier to recycle than traditional petroleum-based inks.

We’re proud to say our hard work is paying off. Between 2010 and 2020, our efforts to create a greener operation led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions.

Minimizing Waste

The bindery department prioritizes waste reduction by reusing and recycling leftover materials from both the printing and binding processes. ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ recycles nearly 30 million pounds of paper and other fiber-based products annually. Even our hardcover book covers are crafted with recycled materials.

Sustainable Packaging

The final step – packaging your finished product – emphasizes sustainability as well. The material we use to package and distribute our products is made from recycled fibers with at least 35% post-consumer content. This approach minimizes our environmental footprint and contributes to our efforts toward responsible resource management.

A Legacy of Environmental Responsibility

As a family-owned company with over 87 years of experience, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ is dedicated to sustainable practices. We believe high-quality printing and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. By embracing eco-friendly solutions throughout the printing process, we aim to fulfill our customers’ printing needs while contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

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