Questions
Is Responsible Print staffed by eco warriors?
No, but sustainability is important and by combining expert print knowledge with a burning passion for environmental issues we use our knowledge to help you buy your print more responsibly. Print has historically been seen as a wasteful industry, but consumer choice is powerful and as a buyer you can choose to make a difference.
Is Responsible Print® a printing company?
No, it is a trade marked standard which is used to show that a printed publication has been specified and produced in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way. Every item is looked at and the whole lifecycle is taken into account – from brief, design and specification through to production, intended use and recycling. Waste and any negative impact on the environment is reduced to a minimum. Offset contributions generated by Responsible Print® for unavoidable emissions are passed on in their entirety to our offsetting partners www.climatecare.org and www.clevel.co.uk in equal proportions and without any deductions for admin or other costs.
Can I choose which project the offset payments are going to?
Not unless you have a large amount of work and are already in a contract with another offset provider. Partnering with Climate Care and C-LEVEL delivers a broad portfolio of quality projects.
I’m a print buyer and I know what I’m doing – why do I need Responsible Print®?
You are unlikely to have enough time to spend on researching the newest technologies or to quiz suppliers in depth about what they are doing to make their operation greener. Responsible Print® brings it all to you – and it demonstrates to everyone that your brand or business is serious about sustainability.
I am a printer and I really like the idea – can I use the Responsible
Print® branding on my work?
We want to hear from you – please send an email to members@responsibleprint.info with your contact details so that we can tell you about the next phase and opportunities to become an approved member.
I am a print buyer and my existing print suppliers are very environmentally friendly – can I put the Responsible Print® branding on my brochures?
Not right now, but please send your contact details to specifiers@responsibleprint.info so that we can keep you informed about new opportunities and how you can get involved.
I’m a bit sceptical about all this – how do you ensure the integrity of the supply chain?
There is a fully traceable paper trail following every Responsible Print® project, documenting every part of the process. It is archived for 7 years after the work was completed in case of inspection. Responsible Print is built on transparency, consistency, authenticity and real values and it is the only label which looks at the bigger picture.
Is digital printing included in the Responsible Print® scheme?
Vegetable oil based digital ink is not currently available, so the criteria differ on that point. A digitally printed item has to fulfil all the rest of the criteria and be produced with equipment powered by 100% renewable energy to qualify for the Responsible Print® branding.
Which types of paper fall within Responsible Print® criteria, and what is the carbon footprint you allocate to them?
Responsible Print® approved papers
Category 1 – 3, with a minimum of 50% recycled content:
Cat 1: Uncoated paper with 100% recycled fibre content: 1.5 tonnes of CO2
Cat 2: Uncoated paper with more than 50% recycled fibre content: 1.75 tonnes of CO2
Cat 3: Coated paper with more than 50% recycled fibre content: 2.0 tonnes of CO2
Paper types NOT approved for use in Responsible Print® branded work
Category 4 - 5,
All with less than 50% recycled content:
Cat 4: Uncoated paper with 100% virgin fibre from well managed forests: 2.5 tonnes of CO2
Cat 5: Coated paper with 100% virgin fibre from well managed forests: 3.5 tonnes of CO2
All figures above relate to 1 tonne of paper.
If you have a specific question, please send it to questions@responsibleprint.info
