I just recently read about the Guardian’s decision to factor in the carbon footprint of the paper they source. Looking back on six months of climate neutral printing in Belgium, this matches our practice. We’ve had lively discussions with paper suppliers and merchants, a constructive talk with CEPI’s environment and energy director on which of their ‘ten toes’ we would take into the equation and whether or not recycled was to receive ‘bonus points’ over virgin pulp.

What is all this about?
If you are reading about this subject for the first time, I suggest you browse to our GREEN newsletter on the subject. You can find a digital version on the homepage of our website in 3 languages (English/French/Dutch). It will give you more information on what we do and why we do it when it comes to making our printed products more sustainable.

What we find is that the paper choice is the single largest influencer to achieve a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. The pulp itself should come from certified, well managed and sustainable sources of course, with a FSC certification as the highest standard today.

But that does not tell you anything about how much water and energy go into the pulp- and paper making process. To delve into those numbers, you need reliable figures on the energy source and the production process. That’s where (a selection of) the ten toes from CEPI come into play. And that’s how you carefully assemble, review and rate a long list of papers that will serve as the basis for the product footprint calculation. And from the long list, you come to a short list of good quality graphic papers that can you can use for your printed communication without compromising the needs of the future generations.

If you want to know how to put all this in your direct marketing practice : register for the Green workshop organized by the DM-institute. It’s in Dutch and takes place on FSC Friday, the 24th of september 2010. The workshop is hosted by us. And if you are an Artoos customer, we can get you in for free. Talk to your account manager to find out how…