How to Know If You’re Working with an Eco-Conscious Printing Company
How to identify eco-conscious printers and understand the importance of FSC® certification in sustainable print practices.
We all want to do our part for the environment—and that includes the vendors and suppliers we choose to work with. While we can control how our own companies operate, it’s not always easy to determine whether our print partners share the same commitment to sustainability.
One of the most reliable indicators that a printer is truly eco-conscious? Forest certification.
What Is Forest Certification?
Forest certification is a voluntary, third-party process that verifies whether forest land is being managed responsibly. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:
“Forest certification is a voluntary third-party process that identifies and recognizes well-managed forest land. It takes into consideration the ecological, economic, and social components of forests and surrounding communities.”
When a printed product carries a forest certification, it means that the paper is made with a mixture of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC-controlled wood. Through what’s called chain-of-custody certification, fiber from certified forestland is tracked through the supply chain, ensuring the end product qualifies to display a certification logo. This gives customers confidence that the materials used in their print jobs were produced sustainably from start to finish.
Understanding FSC® Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is one of the most widely recognized and respected certification systems in the world. FSC is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to responsible forest management and sustainability.
Currently, over 380 million acres of forest worldwide are certified to FSC standards. The FSC is also the only forest certification system supported by major environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, and National Wildlife Federation.
With offices around the globe, the FSC continues to lead the way in sustainable forestry practices.
Why It Matters
The average American uses the equivalent of six trees in paper products every year. Forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface and are home to 70% of all terrestrial animal and plant species. Responsible sourcing and sustainable printing practices are critical to protecting these ecosystems for future generations.
Our Commitment to Green Printing
At Wallace Carlson Printing, we are proud to be an FSC®-certified commercial printer. From our sourcing practices to our operations, we take our environmental responsibility seriously. We’re always happy to answer questions about forest certification or how you can make your next print project more
Wallace Carlson Printing is FSC certified (FSC C103418), demonstrating our commitment to responsible forest management.
Conclusion
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