Rethinking Sustainability in Direct Mail
Why Printing on Paper Isn’t Bad for the Environment
In an age of digital dominance, we’ve often been told that going paperless is the eco-friendly choice. However, this common belief overlooks a crucial fact: when sourced responsibly, print materials can play a positive role in environmental stewardship. Far from harming forests, using paper from sustainably managed sources contributes to conservation efforts and promotes responsible resource management.
Let’s delve into the surprising ways that thoughtful printing practices are helping, not hurting, our planet.
Paper and Sustainable Forestry
Contrary to popular belief, the paper industry plays a vital role in maintaining forest health. Most paper comes from purpose-grown trees, and U.S. forests are larger now than they were in 1970. Sustainable forestry practices, where private landowners plant nearly twice the number of trees they harvest annually, are a key driver of this growth. In fact, only 2% of U.S. forestland is harvested each year, ensuring that forests remain healthy and continue to grow.
Additionally, much of the paper used today comes from recycled materials or wood scraps from industries like furniture and construction, further reducing waste.
The Environmental Impact of Digital Technology Digital communication has environmental costs that often go unseen. Data centers and electronic devices consume significant energy, while the growing volume of e-waste presents recycling challenges.
In 2019, global e-waste reached 53 million metric tons, with about 17.4% recycled. This includes discarded devices containing materials that require careful handling during disposal.
Partnering with a Sustainable Printing Company
By choosing a commercial print company like Anro, you’re supporting environmentally conscious practices. Anro’s proactive stance on environmental stewardship includes a clear roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality in both their direct emissions (Scope 1) and purchased energy use (Scope 2) by 2025. This commitment demonstrates their leadership in sustainable business practices within the industry.
For Anro’s customers, this environmental commitment directly impacts their own Scope 3 emissions reporting.
Since Scope 3 emissions include all indirect emissions in a company’s value chain — including purchased goods and services — working with a carbon-neutral supplier like Anro helps customers reduce their own environmental footprint.
When customers purchase from Anro, they can report lower Scope 3 emissions in their sustainability reporting, which is increasingly important for ESG compliance, stakeholder expectations, and corporate sustainability goals.
According to the Natural Marketing Institute’s 2024 Sustainability Consumer Trends Report indirect emissions (Scope 3) account for an average of 70% of a company’s carbon footprint. By partnering with a carbon-neutral supplier like Anro, companies can make significant progress in reducing these emissions.
Did you know: U.S. forests reduce the nation’s net emissions by 11% through carbon sequestration, playing a significant role in mitigating climate change. By choosing paper from sustainably managed forests, you’re supporting these efforts and contributing to a greener future.
Anro is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming for Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon neutrality by 2025. We are also FSC certified, ensuring that our paper products come from responsibly managed forests.
Learn more about Anro’s Journey to Reducing Carbon Emissions in our other blog post. Contact ANRO for a Printing or Direct Mail Quote or call us at 800.355.2676
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