We are proud to support Pet Sustainability Coalition, an organization dedicated to advancing sustainability within the pet industry. When values align, conversations become easier, decisions become clearer, and environmental impact becomes more measurable.
“Working with Allied gives our team greater visibility into the materials and processes behind our print projects. Knowing they offer FSC®-certified paper options, vegetable-based inks, and generate a significant portion of their energy onsite helps us make more informed printing decisions.”
— Alex Flynn, Marketing Manager, Pet Sustainability Coalition
Their perspective reinforces something we strongly believe. Sustainability works best when it is collaborative.
Sustainability in print goes far beyond recycled paper. Energy use, materials, and production practices all influence the footprint of a print project. If your brand is serious about environmental responsibility, choosing the right printing partner matters just as much as the materials themselves.
Below are a few important things to look for when evaluating a sustainable printer.
1. Look for Third-Party Certifications
Third-party certifications help provide transparency and independent verification of environmental practices. Ask if your printer is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which supports responsible forestry and traceable paper sourcing.
Environmental management certifications such as ISO 14001 also ensures a long-term commitment. This certification requires ongoing measurement, documentation, and continuous improvement each year. That level of accountability is important for companies that need to validate their own sustainability efforts.
2. Ask About Energy and Operations
Environmental responsibility extends materials alone. The manner in which a facility is powered plays a significant role in the environmental footprint of a project.
Printers that invest in renewable energy, such as fuel cells or solar power, are actively reducing their operational impact. Understanding where and how your materials are produced help paint a clearer picture of your overall environmental footprint.
Questions to ask your printer include:
- How is the facility powered?
- Does your facility use renewable energy?
3. Explore Material and Production Alternatives
A sustainable printer should act as a consultant, not just a vendor. The right partner will help guide decisions and explore options that may reduce environmental impact.
Questions to consider include:
- Are there alternatives to plastic-based packaging, coatings, or lamination?
- Would UV or vegetable-based inks better align with your goals?
- Are there ways to optimize sizing or formats to reduce paper waste?
Often, small adjustments in production can lead to meaningful reductions in waste and energy use. For example, look for paper types made from recycled fiber and ensure they remain recyclable after use. Certain coatings, adhesives, or laminations can affect recyclability.
4. Design Print Projects with Longevity in Mind
Good print design can reduce environmental impact before production even begins.
Consider:
- Right-sizing documents to minimize paper waste
- Designing materials to be reusable, such as signage
- Reducing version changes that lead to discarded materials
- Using digital proofs instead of multiple physical proofs
Sometimes, the most effective sustainability decision is not just to print less but to print more intentionally.
Sustainability Is an Ongoing Conversation
Whether your company already has an environmental strategy or is just starting to develop one, the right print partner should support you at every stage.
At Allied, we believe responsible printing includes helping clients understand material choices, production impacts, and ways to reduce waste. Being a good partner also means being a responsible partner to our clients, our community, and the planet. To learn more about Allied’s environmental initiatives click here: https://www.alliedprinting.com/about-allied/environmental-commitment/
