Heidelberg's New CO2 Calculator Tool Determines Environmental Impact of Print Projects

KENNESAW, GA—December 10, 2014—Whenever a customer asks about the carbon footprint of a print project, a reliable answer is hard to come by. That has changed: Heidelberg has launched the Heidelberg CO2 Calculator, an easy-to-use, customizable, online tool that can be used to determine the CO2 footprint of any print project and acquire the matching amount of carbon offsets.

The Heidelberg CO2 calculator accounts for all steps from prepress to delivery. It enables the printer to:

• Provide print buyers with an understanding of the carbon footprint of their print project. With just a few keystrokes, and in no time, a reliable footprint for any print project can be calculated.
• Demonstrate how changing specifications can influence the total carbon footprint. Printers can assist their customers in the decision-making process by plugging various "what-if" scenarios into the Heidelberg CO2 Calculator. By showing how the choice of different papers, inks, coatings, finishing options and run lengths, etc., will affect a project’s overall carbon footprint, printers can also present customers with a unique perspective print buyers can’t get anywhere else.
• Provide a cost for or even acquire the corresponding carbon offsets for the print project. If the customer approves, the printer offsets the footprint in the tool and receives a "Print CO2 neutral" logo and a verifiable certificate number to apply to the printed product.

The Heidelberg CO2 Calculator employs a certified carbon-balancing model that meets internationally recognized calculation methods. Suitable for offset or digital, conventional or hybrid UV processes, the Heidelberg CO2 Calculator is the first of its kind in the North American market and the first such tool certified to comply with the latest ISO (16759) standards. It analyzes the environmental impact of all processes used for a given project, taking into account all relevant factors, including the transport of raw materials and consumables to the plant, and delivery of the finished product to the customer, as well as recycling procedures. Most Heidelberg equipment data, including power usage, speeds, etc., are preloaded; others can be added manually.

Heidelberg has led the way on environmental issues in the print industry for more than 20 years. In its commercial and packaging activities, Heidelberg’s integrated approach to environmental responsibility emphasizes reductions in paper waste, energy consumption, VOC emissions, ammonia and powder emissions, wastewater and ink residues, together with a commitment to promoting paper substrates as sustainable resources. The Heidelberg CO2 Calculator gives printers and converters an opportunity to become consultants to their customers by helping them to print more ecologically.

Register for a 90-day free trial of the Heidelberg CO2 Calculator at http://CO2.heidelberg.com.

Source: Heidelberg.