In recent years, people around the world have become much more aware of the need to preserve the environment as much as possible. This is true both in domestic situations and within the business community. Indeed, one of the credentials which many businesses are now judged on is just how environmentally conscious they are.
Organisations both large and small are actively looking at the various ways in which they can lessen their negative impact on the environment and help to sustain the planet’s natural resources for future generations. One of the ways in which the vast majority of business can do their bit for the environment is by changing their print and packaging services.
Reducing Waste
Unfortunately, packaging can have a serious effect on the environment and its natural resources. Packaging waste is a major problem – not just from the sheer amount which is produced, but also the fact that many forms of packaging do not naturally break down easily. By switching their print and packaging services to an environmentally friendly company, firms around the country can benefit the environment by using packaging that is bio-degradable. This has the potential to reduce the environmental impact by a significant margin.
Another simple but effective solution to the problem of waste is recycling. Cardboard and paper waste can be easily recycled and used to produce new packaging. Plastic has always been a major issue when it comes to waste, as the majority of plastics take such an inordinate amount of time to break down and degrade. Recycling is the ideal solution. Plastic packaging products which can be recycled for future use include product boxes, storage boxes, packaging straps and pallet straps. Glass and metal can also be recycled.
Eco-Friendly Inks
When it comes to printing, there are a number of ways in which businesses can help preserve the environment. In recent years, eco-friendly printing inks have grown steadily in popularity. This is due to a combination of a growing concern for the environment from people in general and an increase in environmental regulations from governments around the world.
Eco-friendly inks have harmful metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium removed and are mainly water-based. In addition to the elimination of heavy metals, all volatile organic compounds, which can have a very negative impact on the environment, are also removed. Vast improvements in technology in recent years mean that it is now simpler to produce truly effective eco-friendly inks and implement their use on a wider scale. For instance, at one time it was not really feasible to use water-based inks on food packaging. This was due to the slow-drying properties of the ink on non-absorbent packaging. However, great strides in production techniques in recent times have resulted in eco-friendly water-based inks with far greater adhesive qualities.
The planet’s natural resources are not limitless and are not renewable. Once they are gone, there is no going back. Businesses both large and small have a vitally important part to play in the fight to save the environment.