Digital Printing Service Melbourne

Best Practices for Printing on Recycled Paper

When you have considered making the step to printing greener, you are not alone. An increasing number of business organisations in Australia are opting for recycled paper printing to save on waste and minimise the environmental effects, as well as to demonstrate to their customers that they do care about the environment.

To have the best of your recycled paper printing projects, we will put it down in a simple, friendly manner.

Why Choose Recycled Paper Printing?

It is high time we consider the best practices, but first, let us briefly recall the greatness of recycled paper.

  • It reduces landfill waste.
  • It reduces the need for virgin wood pulp.
  • It also consumes less water and energy to make.
  • It promotes green branding.
  • It is indicative of social responsibility to your customers.

Printing recycled paper is not the same as printing on regular stock. The texture, colour tone, and absorbency may vary. The good news? With proper technique, it is possible to achieve beautiful quality print results and, at the same time, contribute to the planet.

Here are the practices to be followed:

01. Pick the Perfect Category of Recycled Paper

The recycled papers are not all equal. They are available in various percentages, textures, and finishes.

Percentage of recycled content

Different papers come with different percentages of recycled content. Any paper is supposed to be more environmentally friendly if it has a higher percentage, but with a texture that’s a little coarser.

Post-consumer vs. pre-consumer

  • Post-consumer waste

This is the most sustainable variety to choose, as they are made from materials already used by consumers.

  • Pre-consumer waste

This is the variety that includes scraps from manufacturing.

If you want the greenest option, go with high PCW content.

Coated vs. uncoated

The majority of paper recycled is non-coated, making it natural and matte. This is ideal when you are in love with that rustic, organic look.

02. Adjust Your Colour Expectations

The recycled paper is mainly of light brown or creamy colour, depending on its treatment. Colour of the paper may appear:

  • Softer
  • Slightly muted
  • A little warmer

Recycled stock can still produce excellent results even in super-sharp photographic colour; however, you have to realise that you are going to get more of a natural finish instead of the high-gloss finish. Use deeper colours or bolder designs if you want your print to really pop on recycled material.

03. An Appropriate Ink for the Job

Using the perfect ink, it is easy to get the perfect result.

Soy-based or vegetable inks

They are environmentally friendly, luminous, and ideal for the recycling printing of papers.

Low-VOC inks

These minimise chemical emissions and make the printing process cleaner and healthier.

Avoid heavy ink coverage.

Recycled paper can take in ink more than coated paper; therefore, big dark patches would appear excessive. Rather, apply lighter designs or imaginative layouts to maintain everything crisp.

04. Keep Your Design Simple and Clean

Recycled paper is already naturally beautiful. The Best design practices to enhance the appearance are:

  • Use minimalistic layouts
  • Choose easy-to-read typography
  • Stick to high contrast for clarity.
  • Avoid overcrowding your design.
  • Leave some breathing space.

Clean designs always look stunning on matte, textured paper.

05. Always Do a Test Print First

This might be the most important tip. Due to the fact that the recycled paper is different in colour and absorption, it is a good idea for a test print:

Colour accuracy

  • Sharpness of text
  • Ink absorption
  • Overall finish

A small test run saves money, materials, and disappointment later.

06. Pick a Print Technique That Works Well With Recycled Stock

You have multiple options, but the most beneficial is here to decide.

Digital Printing

  • Best for small runs
  • Quick turnaround
  • Cost-effective

Offset Printing

  • Better for large quantities
  • Consistent, high-quality colours
  • Works beautifully with eco-friendly inks

Only the experts can suggest and explain to you the best printing option for your printing needs.

07. Keep Sustainability Front and Centre

When you are printing on recycled paper, do not forget to inform people! You can instantly improve your brand image by adding a little note, such as recycled 100% paper printed.

The simplest method to ensure that your business is more sustainable without losing either style or quality is printing on recycled paper. Your prints can be clean, sharp and professional with the appropriate design choices, inks and techniques and at the same time be friendly to the planet.

Ready to Print Sustainably?

Print On Demand is the place to go in case you need quality recycled paper printing that is as reliable as it is of high quality. Our recycled stocks are high-end, our inks are eco-friendly, and we provide professional advice to ensure your prints are stunning throughout.

PrintOnDemand.net.au is where you can create beautiful and sustainable prints that your customers will be delighted with now.

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