Green impressions: How recycled paper is revolutionising print practices

There’s no escaping it, sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s a responsibility, and one we take seriously.

Businesses, organisations, and individuals alike are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and print practices are no exception. One major shift driving this green movement is the increasing use of recycled paper in printing. Here at Swallowtail Print, we’re passionate about helping our customers make eco-friendly choices, so we’re excited to share how recycled paper is transforming the printing industry and how you can benefit from making greener print decisions.

Why choose recycled paper for your print needs?

Recycled paper is made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, meaning it’s created from materials that would otherwise have gone to waste. By choosing recycled paper, you’re contributing to a circular economy where resources are reused rather than discarded, supporting a cycle that keeps paper products out of landfills and in circulation longer. This shift is crucial for sustainable growth, reducing the need for new materials and promoting more responsible consumption, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to lessen their carbon footprint.

Here are some specific benefits of using recycled paper in print projects:

Environmental conservation

Every step of the traditional paper production process—cutting trees, processing wood pulp, and transporting raw materials—has a carbon footprint. Recycled paper production uses around 40-50% less energy than making paper from virgin wood pulp, as it requires less water, energy, and raw materials to produce. It also reduces the need to harvest new trees, helping to preserve our forests and maintain natural habitats for wildlife. By reducing energy consumption, the print industry can help cut greenhouse gas emissions and minimise our carbon footprint.

Reduced waste

Choosing recycled paper means fewer paper products go to landfill sites. Instead, these materials get a second life, reducing waste and the associated environmental impact.

Comparable quality

Thanks to advances in paper production, recycled paper today can be almost indistinguishable from non-recycled options. Whether for business cards, brochures or promotional materials, recycled paper offers quality and durability that meets modern standards.

Cost-effectiveness

While recycled paper used to be more expensive than regular paper, this is no longer the case. As demand has grown, the cost has decreased, making recycled paper an affordable option for eco-conscious businesses.

Encouraging sustainable printing practices

Most printers are sourcing more and more eco-friendly materials. This movement not only benefits the environment, but also aligns with customer expectations – we appreciate that many businesses and consumers prefer to work with suppliers who prioritise sustainability.
You can read more about our commitment to the environment here.

Encouraging eco-friendly innovations

As recycled paper printing gains popularity, it’s spurring further innovations. New, eco-friendly paper options like tree-free paper (made from sources like bamboo, hemp, or sugarcane) are emerging, providing customers with even more sustainable options in future. In turn, these innovations are pushing the industry to explore greener inks, biodegradable coatings, and other sustainable solutions that can enhance the eco-friendliness of printing materials.

Signal your brand’s environmental commitment

Incorporating recycled paper into your print projects isn’t just about reducing environmental impact – it’s also a powerful branding move. By using recycled paper, you’re demonstrating to your audience that your business is committed to sustainability and making conscious choices.

Recycled paper is ideal for a wide range of print materials, including:

• Brochures, reports and prospectuses
• Magazines and newsletters
• Leaflets and flyers
• Business cards
• Packaging and labels
• Books

How Swallowtail Print supports sustainable printing

We believe that sustainable choices make a difference, so alongside our FSC-certified materials, we also offer a selection of recycled paper options, allowing you to create beautiful, high-quality prints while staying true to your values and working towards your carbon reduction targets. We are committed to helping our customers make environmentally responsible decisions without sacrificing quality or style.

100% post-consumer recycled paper

Our recycled paper is an excellent choice. Why not add a line in your artwork to state that your leaflet, booklet or brochure has been printed on 100% recycled paper?

Eco-friendly inks

To reduce our environmental impact, we use vegetable-based inks which are less harmful to the planet than traditional petroleum-based inks.

Sustainable mailing options

We can also provide eco-friendly packaging options like compostable mailing wrappers.

Talk to us to find out how we can help you make a difference

Switching to recycled paper is a simple, effective way to reduce environmental impact. As more people and businesses opt for sustainable printing, the industry will continue to innovate and create even better eco-friendly solutions. Whether you’re printing a single brochure or a large volume of materials, using recycled paper can make a positive impact on the environment and leave a great impression on your customers.

Ready to make a difference with your print projects? Contact our friendly team to learn more about our eco-friendly options.