GE07: Consumables and Substrates — Sustainability: Here to Stay

BUZZ WORDS come and go, especially at Graph Expo, where they’re here one year and gone the next. “Sustainability” is not a buzz word. It’s a commitment—and it’s here to stay.

While printers and vendors alike were talking all things “green” at the show, much of the excitement was coming from paper and ink manufacturers, who have been at the head of the eco movement, having spent the past several years investing heavily in R&D on new lines of environmentally friendly products. Now, many of these suppliers have become pioneers and leaders in the ever-growing sustainability campaign.

The following is a sampling of some of the green innovations, offerings and sound bytes from Graph Expo consumables and substrate exhibitors.

Mohawk Fine Papers made two important environmental announcements. The company was named to the EPA list of Top 25 Green Power Purchasers in the United States—the only company in the graphic arts industry named to this Top 25 list. Mohawk was also named to the EPA’s list of 100 Percent Green Power Purchasers, when it became the first U.S. paper mill to get 100 percent of its electricity from renewable windpower. Additionally, it is the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production.

Mohawk has many environmental paper offerings, including Beckett Concept and Expression; Strathmore Writing and Script; and Mohawk Options, Via and Color Copy—all of which were featured at the show. The company’s current carbon neutral portfolio includes the entire Strathmore Writing and Script paper lines, and Beckett Concept and Expression paper lines. Mohawk’s digital paper line is also a sustainable choice—Green-e certified. Additionally, many of Mohawk’s recycled products are certified to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards.

180-Degree Change

“We’ve seen a 180-degree change since Graph Expo last year, when there was little interest in FSC-certified paper. This year, there is big interest,” reported Laura Shore, senior vice president, communications, Mohawk Fine Papers. “In December 2006, there were 100 FSC-certified printers. By June 2007, there were 208. This trend is downstreaming. Even small printers are getting onboard.”