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Step 3: Printing

Printing can be a messy business, so using the right printer is really important. Traditionally printing has involved using a lot of energy, solvents and ink, and has created a lot of waste. Not good for the environment. Fortunately there are alternatives now. The table below summarises three common printing methods.




We looked at the four most important criteria when you’re buying print – timescale, budget, quantity and quality – and compared those three processes. 1 shows the best, 3 the worst. See what’s best for your job.

Litho: 4 colour

Timescale: 3 – The slowest of the three
Budget: 3 (under 500 copies) 1 (Over 500 copies) – Only effective over 500 copies
Quantity: Good for large quantities (500 copies plus)
Quality: 1 – Great detail, full colour

Litho: 2 colour

Timescale: 2 – Usually faster than 4 colour
Budget: 2 – (Nearly) Always cheaper than 4 colour
Quantity: Good for large quantities (500 copies plus)
Quality: 2 – Great detail, but not full colour

Digital:

Timescale: 1 – The fastest of the three
Budget: 1 (under 500 copies) 3 (over 500 copies) – Only cost effective for smaller quantities
Quantity: Great for small quantities
Quality: 3 – Full colour, but not as good as litho in some instances

Digital technology has made printing small quantities affordable, avoiding unnecessary waste. Changes in litho printing technology has removed, or reduced, the use of solvents and introduced more environmentally friendly practices, like computer-to-plate technology and vegetable based inks. So the environmental impact can be greatly reduced, if you use the right printer. If you need help finding the right printer for your job we can help you, and choose the best printing process for the job too.

Here are some printing tips.
Look out for printers who:
• Use vegetable-based inks
• Have environmental accreditation (BS 8555 or ISO 14001)
• Have an Environmental Policy
• Are local

Avoid:
• Printing more copies than you need
• Lamination (the paper can’t be recycled)
• Metallic inks
• A printer who’s a long way away