“Going Carbon Neutral” is something we tend to associate with the change-over from petrol to electric cars – but does this relate to paper and the print industry?
In our efforts to tackle Climate change, Sir David Attenborough has warned that ‘the future of humanity, and indeed all life on earth, now depends on us’. Powerful words that have resonated around the world. So, in battling climate change—what role do we play as a collective industry? We know that, unlike many manufactured products, paper is a sustainable resource. Paper is also one of the most recycled materials on the planet. But as we specify stocks for our print projects—do we ever think about carbon neutral paper? Here are five reasons to consider going carbon neutral on the printing press:
1. The climate change problem
It is very likely (more than 95% probability) that the global warming experienced over the last fifty years is attributable to human-emitted greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). In most parts of the world, the effects of this will lead to significant change. While some regions will experience extreme precipitation, others will suffer droughts and desertification.
2. Commercial success
Sustainable business leads to commercial success.
According to customer surveys, being sustainable equals loyalty, a higher purchase intention and the perception of being a good employer. ‘Sustainability has finally become a serious business opportunity for companies,’ explains Thomas Melde, Managing Director of Akzente.
Akzente is a leading sustainability consultancy and partner for companies, organisations and brands aspiring to shape the future responsibly.
‘No matter which industry you’re in, you can’t afford to question the future viability of your business against the background of global ecological and social challenges.’
These findings echo a number of global reports, which conclude that making sustainability one of your key values makes your brand more attractive to customers. It also encourages them to stick around and spend more.
‘There is accumulating evidence that the perceived sustainability of a brand impacts consumers,’ says neuroscientist Dr Matt Johnson. ‘And that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products from a sustainable brand over a non-sustainable competitor brand.’
While you may think that using recycled paper ticks the environmental box, many companies are going further by choosing carbon neutral papers to help offset carbon emissions.
3. Sustainability demonstrates greater depth to your company
It is not just government organisations that purchase sustainable products and services. Increasingly, private businesses are following this example by reviewing how energy efficient, green, or carbon neutral their products or services are. Having this as part of the overall offer is becoming increasingly attractive to consumers—assuming other factors such as price and delivery time are approximately the same.
4. Fossil-based energy is on borrowed time
Predictions are that by 2050, energy demands will roughly double. And whilst we don’t know the exact limit of global oil, coal and gas reserves, there are many questions. —How will these be extracted in an economically and environmentally responsible manner moving forward? And what happens when they are exhausted? We need to be more efficient and start investing in renewable forms of energy for our future.
5. The Kyoto-protocol could lead to government regulations
During the climate summit in Doha, Qatar, in December 2012, 37 countries agreed to maintain the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012. They also agreed that by 2020 all countries—including the U.S., China and India—must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, scientists and environmental organisations indicate that this reduction is too little too late to prevent global warming from rising above the critical point of 2°C. Above this temperature we will likely experience a significant loss in biodiversity and fertile land due to rising water levels.
Being Carbon Neutral Means Making Real Change…
The role industry has in reducing carbon levels has never been more crucial. However, not many businesses are willing to place a clear environmental policy front and centre within their operation. Indeed many small businesses are not even sure where to begin. Carbon neutrality is not simply about balancing your carbon footprint through offset programmes. It’s about making real change. Choosing carbon neutral paper and print solutions is one area that we can achieve this as an industry. New Zealand’s paper suppliers, including BJ Ball Papers, can provide carbon neutral options for your consideration.
For more information go to: //twosides.co.nz or //twosides.org.au.
What does the CN symbol mean? 
A number of BJ Ball papers are Carbon Neutral. These stocks are identified in our swatch books and on our website via the symbol—CN.
For a paper stock to be carbon–neutral, the Mill must measure its entire carbon footprint. That means from the volume of greenhouse gases they emit to how the electricity they consume is generated, through to their transportation and delivery chain. Basically, a measure of their entire impact on the environment.
Any carbon emissions they create are ‘offset’ via Carbon offset schemes. These Carbon offset schemes allow companies to invest in environmental projects that balance out their carbon footprint. Projects are mainly based in developing countries and often target reducing future emissions. Examples include rolling out clean energy technologies, or directly tackling the problem through the planting of trees which soak up emissions from the atmosphere.
It is important to note that Carbon Neutrality has various levels of credentials. That means we need to investigate where the calculations begin and end.
GSM would like to thank Kellie Northwood, CEO @ Two-Sides, for assisting us in writing this article.
