In 2022 DRMG won the 2022 Smartmail Marketing Environment Partner Award by eliminating plastic from our shared mail products. As we look forward into the future we continue working towards a net zero carbon footprint on all our efforts including paper sourcing, ink use, delivery routes and hyper targeting to ensure our mail impressions are efficient. We want to shed light on some key aspects of our carbon-neutral process that might surprise you.
Sustainability in Printing: Beyond the Surface
Many do not realize the significant strides made in sustainable printing. Here’s how we ensure our operations are environmentally sound:
- Paper Sourcing: We prioritize paper from sustainably managed forests. Look for certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Eco-Friendly Inks: We use vegetable-based inks that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and minimize pollution.
- Waste Reduction: We minimize waste through efficient printing processes and recycle all paper waste.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Explained
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. The FSC sets standards for forest management and certifies forests that meet these standards. FSC certification ensures that forests are managed in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner.
What Do the FSC Labels Mean?
FSC labels indicate that the paper products come from responsibly managed forests. There are three types of FSC labels:
- FSC 100%: This label indicates that the product is made entirely from wood that comes from FSC-certified forests.
- FSC Recycled: This label means the product is made from recycled material. Using recycled materials helps to reduce the pressure on natural forests.
- FSC Mix: This label signifies that the product is a mixture of wood from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or controlled wood. Controlled wood means that the wood has been sourced in a way that avoids the most destructive practices.
By choosing FSC-certified paper, DRMG supports responsible forest management, which helps to protect forests for future generations.
Eco-Friendly Inks: A Closer Look
Traditional printing inks often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and water. At DRMG, we are committed to transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as our Heatset web ink which uses a hybrid of soy vegetable ink.
- Vegetable-based inks, made from renewable resources like soy or corn, reduce our reliance on petroleum-based products and minimize the release of harmful VOCs.
- These inks also offer comparable, and sometimes superior, print quality and color vibrancy compared to traditional inks.
- By choosing vegetable-based inks, we're not only reducing pollution but also supporting sustainable agriculture.
Waste Reduction: Minimizing Our Environmental Impact
Waste reduction is a critical component of our sustainability efforts. We employ a variety of strategies to minimize waste throughout our printing process:
- Efficient Printing Processes: We use advanced printing technologies and techniques to optimize ink usage and reduce paper waste. This includes careful monitoring and calibration of our equipment to ensure precise printing and minimize errors.
- Recycling Programs: We have comprehensive recycling programs in place to collect and recycle all paper waste generated during our operations. This paper is then recycled into new paper products, closing the loop and reducing the need for virgin materials.
- Reducing waste sent to landfills.
Our Carbon Offset Process: Achieving Carbon Neutrality & Celebrating Success
We go beyond just sustainable printing practices. DRMG invests in carbon offset projects to neutralize our carbon emissions & we have a track record of success.
Delivery
We also make sure our delivery methods are as sustainable as possible. We optimize delivery routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Targeting also plays a big role here as the more we ensure your message is connecting with the right audience the higher the likelihood your direct mail pieces are not going to waste.
Transparency and Accountability
We believe in transparency. We carefully track our carbon footprint and invest in certified carbon offset projects that meet rigorous standards.
DRMG Wins the 2022 Smartmail Marketing Environment Partner Award
Direct Response Media Group (DRMG) doesn’t just talk the talk. A few years ago we were honored with the prestigious 2022 Smartmail Marketing Environment Partner Award presented by Canada Post! This accolade recognized our unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and our achievement in becoming 100% plastic free with our direct mail shared products. You can read more about that initiative here.
Join us on the Sustainability Journey
Sustainability is a continuous journey, and we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable printing and delivery. By choosing DRMG, you're partnering with a company that values the environment and is taking concrete steps to protect it. Contact us today to discuss your Direct Mail Marketing!
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