5 Eco-Friendly Printing Practices Every Business Should Adopt

As a commercial printer deeply committed to sustainability, we know that eco-friendly printing is much more than a fleeting trend—it’s a responsibility we all share. At Dumont Printing, every step we take in our processes can create lasting positive impact on the environment. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a large organization, adopting meaningful green practices isn’t just about going paperless. It’s about making smart, intentional choices that ripple through every printed piece, from custom packaging and flyers to wide-format banners and employee handbooks.

1. Choose Recycled & Responsibly Sourced Paper

The choice of paper speaks volumes about your brand’s values. We recommend selecting high-quality recycled stocks, with a significant percentage of post-consumer waste (PCW). This not only helps reduce the demand for virgin fiber and deforestation but also supports a sustainable paper life cycle. For special projects, consider unique alternatives like bamboo, cotton, or even denim-based papers—these bring both texture and eco-cred to any marketing material. Always look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) on paper, signaling ethical sourcing from well-managed forests.

Use papers with high PCW content (ideally 50% or higher).
For luxury or eco-branded collateral, experiment with alternative fibers.
Require FSC or similar certifications from your supplier or printer.

2. Embrace Eco-Friendly Inks

The inks you choose have a direct impact on both indoor air quality and environmental emissions. At Dumont Printing, we support the use of vegetable-based inks such as soy or water-based formulas. Unlike traditional petroleum-based inks (which release harmful volatile organic compounds), these options deliver vivid color with a fraction of the environmental impact. For organizations with aggressive sustainability goals, algae-based inks are emerging as one of the most innovative solutions, even offering carbon-negative production in some cases.

Soy and water-based inks reduce air pollutants and facilitate easier recycling of printed materials.
Avoid inks with heavy metals or petroleum byproducts.
Ask your printer about the types of inks used—even promotional items and apparel benefit from eco-friendly options.

3. Invest in Energy-Efficient Printing Technology

Modern printing technology has come a long way in terms of energy efficiency. Upgrading digital presses, optimizing workflows, and utilizing equipment with high energy ratings can dramatically cut both cost and carbon emissions. At our facility, we continuously review our fleet to ensure we’re running the most efficient machines possible—balancing print quality, speed, and sustainability.

Seek out printers who operate on renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.).
Request information on ISO 14001 environmental certifications—these indicate a robust commitment to sustainable management.
If you print in-house, consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated printers and encourage the use of sleep/standby functions to save power.

4. Make Print-on-Demand & Waste Reduction the Norm

We regularly counsel our clients to think strategically about their printing needs. Over-ordering to “save money” often results in unused inventory sent to landfill. Instead, leverage the latest in digital and variable data printing to produce only what you need, exactly when you need it. Enabling duplex (double-sided) printing for internal documents and integrating print management software further reduces unnecessary waste and paper consumption.

Adopt print-on-demand workflows for marketing collateral, manuals, and event materials.
Default to duplex printing on all office and production equipment.
Monitor and analyze print habits with management software to spot areas of improvement.
Adjust standard margins and font sizes to maximize each printed sheet.

5. Recycle & Reuse Print Supplies

Our commitment to the environment extends well beyond paper selection. We promote a “closed-loop” approach—minimizing waste throughout the entire process. Ink and toner cartridges, packaging offcuts, and even test prints don’t have to wind up in the landfill. Instead, we encourage recycling and reuse where possible:

Set up programs for returning and recycling toner and ink cartridges, ensuring they’re properly disposed of or remanufactured.
Repurpose misprints and leftover stock for internal use—think scratch paper or training booklets.
Choose remanufactured printing supplies to lower your organization’s overall plastic and electronic waste footprint.

The Dumont Printing Advantage: How We Support Your Sustainability Goals

We believe that every sustainable printing decision—no matter how small—has the power to drive big change. Partnering with us means collaborating on practical, transparent solutions that align with your environmental initiatives:

Access to a full suite of recycled, FSC-certified, and alternative stock papers for any marketing campaign.
Expert guidance on eco-ink options, including for custom apparel, promotional items, or large-format banners.
Strategic print planning for events, tradeshow collateral, and direct mail—ensuring minimal waste and maximal impact.
Efficient fulfillment and shipping to worldwide destinations, with thoughtful packaging designed to minimize environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions: Eco-Friendly Printing

Is recycled paper worse in quality? Not at all. Today’s recycled stocks rival virgin paper for brightness, strength, and print fidelity—ask us for samples to see for yourself!
Do eco-inks look less vibrant? Modern soy and water-based inks are every bit as bold and accurate as their traditional counterparts, often with improved colorfastness for marketing materials.
How do I get started? Start simple: request recycled paper, duplex print all internal documents, and ask your printer about their sustainability commitments. When you’re ready for more, connect with partners like Dumont Printing that can help you design smarter, greener campaigns from start to finish.

Building a greener, more responsible future requires action at every level of your business. By integrating these five eco-friendly printing practices, you’ll not only lessen your environmental impact but also gain the respect and loyalty of today’s conscientious consumers. If you’re ready to transform your printing operations—and showcase your commitment to the planet—we invite you to connect with us at Dumont Printing. Together, we’ll ensure that your print speaks for itself, and for a more sustainable tomorrow.