Printing responsibly

Print is still a primary method of communicating with our audiences, so do consider the following points when you are commissioning print for BAE Systems to make sure that you are printing as ethically as possible.

1 Do you need a printed item at all?

In many instances the answer will be yes. However, try splitting content (some on paper, some online) to reduce the cost of the printed item, and then drive people online where information can be easily updated.

2 Make green a part of the brief

Make sure that your agency knows that sustainability is important to the Company, and that you expect green to be an integral part of the solution, not a last minute add-on.

3 Don't be the one

Recycled paper or waterless printing can cost a little more, but that difference is becoming smaller all the time as clients and designers demand more sustainable products and processes. If good environmental practice is important to you, printing sustainably really is an ‘easy-win'.

4 Change expectations

Smooth and shiny no longer necessarily means professional. If we all insist on this, we are doomed to keep specifying high white, ultra-smooth papers produced with high levels of chemicals and covered in plastic laminates and varnishes.

5 Less is more (and cheaper)

Say it with less colours and fewer pages. It will be cheaper to design, produce and deliver.

6 Improving attitudes

Print production may have the biggest environmental impact on your marketing activities. Help to offset this by only using printers with recognised accreditations. If they haven't got any, shop elsewhere.

7 Green plant

Look for printers who run waterless or low-alcohol presses that use less solvents - some are even running on renewable energy. Also, vegetable-oil based inks are a must.

8 Say it with digital

Digital print is very efficient for smaller quantities with less paper waste and no aluminum plates.

9 Paper is a tree

BAE Systems specify some of the leading accredited or recycled content papers for their print. If you have to specify something else, insist that paper is ‘Elemental Chloride Free' or FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) accreditated.

10 Buy local

Print materials locally if possible. It could help save the planet and stop you sitting in traffic next week!