By Ken Hickson
In its latest magazine, Print Singapore, published by the Print and Media Association, it extols the virtues of sustainable printing inks, claims that the key to the future of print is sustainability and – perhaps best of all – runs a two-page feature headed ”Sustainability at the Heart of Book on Celebrating and Transforming Lives”.
This was made possible by none other than Genevieve Chua, CEO of OVOL – one of the largest paper suppliers in the world – which not only sponsors paper for the magazine “from responsible forestry”, but also made sure the book was printed by PEFC-certified Times Printers on two different PEFC-certified papers, supplied by OVOL: Gold East from APP and Paperone from April.
Printers we know are telling us that customers are moving towards making the world more sustainable and the demand for PEFC certified paper is increasing.
Times Printers, for one, points out that every week “The Economist is printed in Singapore on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, recycled and controlled sources, certified by PEFC”.
The Economist has been printed by Times Printers since 1983 and Faye Jeacocke Head of Production at The Economist, appreciates the emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR) in the “exceptional” service it receives from the printing team.
Design companies in Singapore are also boosting the move to recognise print as sustainable and viable, now and for the future.
In Print Singapore magazine, ielo design clearly sees the future of print in its commitment to sustainability:
“By considering sustainability, we are not only ensuring the relevance and future of print, but we are also playing our part in caring for our planet for future generations to enjoy. Together let’s continue to use print as our medium to engage our audiences, in a sustainable and responsible way.”
Ielo also points out that the industry needs to continue to move forward to both satisfy increasing customer demand for environmentally responsible brands and to demonstrate that printing on paper is sustainable by:
- Choosing to use certified paper from sustainable sources;
- Print using vegetable based ink and not petroleum based inks;
- Opt for self-forming and no-glue packaging to enhance its recyclability;
- Make sure all printed products are recyclable and/or reusable.
Besides sustainability as a critical means for the printing industry to ensure it has a big future, Ms Genevieve Chua is convinced of the need to address the social, cultural and educational advantages of paper.
“Being someone who has been so closely connected with paper for a long time – 31 years in the paper industry – I truly appreciate the value of a printed book,” she told the audience at the launch of the book for the Lions Home for the Elders in May at Marina Bay Sands.
She was also quoted in the Print Singapore article – written by the editor and publisher of Asian Journeys magazine, Floyd Cowan – as saying:
“Reading from a printed book improves memory retention and recall because it engages multiple senses. I am sure all of you will enjoy the total delightful multi-sensorial experience this book, that is printed on paper from certified and sustainably managed forests, can deliver.”
This is all very much in line with the philosophy and promotional efforts of Two Sides, a not for profit organisation which operates in Europe and the United States.
From the United Kingdom, it runs “Love Paper”, a global campaign promoting the sustainable and attractive attributes of print, paper and paper packaging.
The campaign seeks to tell consumers across the world all the positive stories about paper, print and paper packaging from its environmental credentials to its ability to improve mental wellbeing, learning and enhance creativity.
Two Sides says: “Even in today’s digital world, paper remains unique in its ability to touch our lives. Paper is renewable, recyclable and the natural support of new ideas and creativity. We are all becoming more conscious of the environmental impacts of our purchases, paper is the natural choice for sustainable packaging.”
Maybe Singapore – and the rest of Asia Pacific – needs a Love Paper campaign to reinforce the value of printing on paper. For economic, environmental, educational and emotional reasons.
In these trying, restrained times when the world is ruled by pandemic restrictions, we can grab hold of a book or a printed magazine. In our hands, it becomes a tangible treasure-trove of stories, images and experiences that will last a long time. In print. On paper.
Ken Hickson is a Singapore-based author of seven books, including “Celebrating Forty Years of Transforming Lives”, “Race for Sustainability” and “The ABC of Carbon”. He is a regular contributor to many print magazines, like Panels and Furniture Asia, Wood in Architecture, Millionaire Asia and Asian Journeys. He also acts as sustainability and communications consultant to many organisations, including PEFC, Double Helix Tracking Technologies, Venturer Timberwork and Alpha Biofuels. He is currently providing content. connections and communications support for a unique Built Environment exhibit at the London Design Festival in September, which is also expected to have a place at Cop 26 in Glasgow, Scotland and will continue to the end of the year.