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Benefits of FSC Certified Printing

What is FSC?

To those who may not be aware, FSC is the acronym for Forest Stewardship Council. This non-profit organization was established in 1993 and its goal is ensure the responsible and sustainable management of the world forests including the monitoring of logging activities. Large scale deforestation takes place for manufacturing paper, which is consumed in larger quantities by printing presses.

FSC supports the use of recycled paper and they monitor pulp companies to ensure that the product they use to manufacture their paper comes from forests that protect wildlife habitat and respect local cultures.

Thus FSC approved paper does not actually mean recycled paper but signifies that the paper comes from a reliable company, which has passed the strict standards of the FSC. If you have environmental concerns, then look for paper products with the FSC letters and symbol (a check mark and tree).

FSC Certification

It can be said that FSC certified paper and envelopes is a certification for healthy forest management practices. The FSC certification process also helps keep these forests profitable by creating demand for FSC products. FSC forests are unlikely to be sold for development, mining or other land uses.

You can support sustainable forest management practices by patronizing printing presses that use FSC certified papers. You can buy FSC papers whenever appropriate for your business and personal needs.

Types of paper obtaining FSC certification include renewable energy paper, carbon neutral paper, recycled paper and chlorine free paper. Whichever paper you choose, you can derive additional benefit to your business by publicizing the fact you care for the environment.

Need for FSC Certification

Although we are well into the age of digital technology, the concept of paperless office is still a distant dream. The printing presses still consume tons of paper and large quantities of traditional printing ink to produce letterheads, booklets, pamphlets, brochures, business cards, calendars and other printed stationeries. As a matter of fact, the vegetable oil based inks used delivers enhanced print quality over conventional petroleum oil based inks.

So it is obvious that printing presses, in order to meet the huge requirements of the modern day business consume huge quantities of paper to meet the ever growing demand. Printing houses generate VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are caused by laminates, adhesives, varnishes and others daily requirements of any printing business. These Volatile Organic Compounds cause air pollution and increases the risk of asthma attacks and respiratory disorders.

FSC Certification Process

In order to get FSC certificates printing companies have to follow certain steps that include sorting and recycling of all waste, using only non-toxic compounds, using vegetable based non-toxic or soy inks that have negligible or zero VOCs, using recycled paper or paper from sustainable sources, use equipments that produces lowest possible waste, and monitoring energy usage.

FSC Approved Printers with the FSC Chain of Custody Certification are authorized to print the FSC Logo on your order when using FSC Certified Paper or FSC Recycled Paper.

Every single one of us can help in making this world a safer and better place by insisting on products labeled and certified by FSC. Paper and printing products having the FSC label essentially guarantees that they are safe for the environment. Find out whether the printing house you intend dealing with has a FSC Approved Printing Company Certification

 

 

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