Going Green Brings In More ‘Greenbacks’ —Michelson

The paper and printing industries surely have a vested interest in being portrayed as environmentally conscious. From the deforestation involved in producing virgin paper fiber, to VOC and CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere from pressrooms, to hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, and sizable water and electricity consumption within plants, the graphic arts has a major effect on the environment. According to the Woodside Institute, the paper and printing sectors also constitute the third largest user of fossil fuels. Printed packaging alone comprises 30 percent of solid landfill waste in the United States.