Print: The Definition of Sustainable Media

Print is the definition of sustainable media. Recycling, replenishing forest land, and renewing local resources are just some ways paper imprints lightly on the planet.

Sustainability is a strong value in the Pacific Northwest, and Journal Graphics is committed to being part of the community in this way. Of course, sustainable practices extend far beyond just recycling. We continually evaluate our facility and equipment to minimize emissions and waste, striving to exceed state and federal guidelines. 

We are an FSC Chain-of-Custody Certified PrinteR

Journal Graphics is committed to management best practices required to maintain environmentally superior and responsibly sourced certified papers. 

In its mission, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of the world's forests. The organization expands water quality protection, prohibits harvest of rare old-growth forest, prevents loss of natural forest cover, and prohibits highly hazardous chemicals.  

In addition, FSC requires forest managers—on both public and private lands—to engage local community members and protect customary rights of indigenous people, ensuring their voices are part of the certification process and impacts of forest operations are addressed. 

The FSC standards are high, and we are happy to use paper suppliers that meet or exceed them. 

We use locally sourced paper

Excessive and long-distance transportation adds to greenhouse gas emissions, increases customer costs, and lengthens deliverable times. Journal Graphics purchases most of our substrates from an Oregon-based paper mill located just 24 miles from our plant. Committing to mostly local sourcing is a commitment to a smaller ecological footprint. 

We contract with a reputable paper recycling program 

Our paper waste is 100% recycled through International Paper. International Paper collects, consumes, and markets more than 7 million tons of all paper recovered annually in the United States. 

 Paper is recycled more than any other commodity in the solid waste stream and is often the dominant raw material used in paper production. In fact, paper is the most recycled material in the world today, with recovery rates ranging from 65% to almost 80% in North America, Western Europe and Japan. A combination of fresh wood supply and recycled paper allows printing and writing paper to be down-cycled to other products like corrugated boxes, tissue, and other packaging. 

We use Waterless Platemaking

Water is a necessary tool in the creation of paper and print. To keep things clean, cool, and running well, water can be a necessity. This year, we installed a new printing plate that does not require water for processing, saving gallons of this natural resource each day. 

Paper is one of the few truly sustainable products

Each year, forests in North America grow significantly more wood than is harvested.  North American woodlands are a renewable resource, continuously replenished using sustainable forest management. Over the last 60 years, the net total U.S. forest area has increased by over 3%, and the net volume of trees on forestland has increased by 58%. 

In addition to all the environmental reasons to use paper, it's simply a crucial part of any marketing mix. 

As the pandemic continues to drive consumers online for shopping, learning and communicating, digital fatigue is setting in. People are ready to engage with materials again, hold books in their hands, and flip through a catalog before purchasing. And businesses and publishers continue to use print because it works, and people simply enjoy it. In fact: 

• According to the United States Postal Service, direct mail recipients purchased 28% more items and spent 28% more money than those who didn't receive the same direct mail. Again and again, a print catalog or directory increases the odds consumers will buy.  

• 73% of U.S. consumers said they prefer direct mail for brand communications because they can read the information at their convenience.  

• In publishing and academia, studies show that paper books are better for reading comprehension.  

• Even millennials prefer paper-based reading.  

 
Supporting print is supporting the environment. Engage with Journal Graphics today to get started on your next Earth-friendly project.