Printing with Purpose: Why Sustainability Matters & how we are Making a Difference

Environmental sustainability is a responsibility that falls on every individual and organisation. Businesses are in a unique position to influence and drive change within society, which means they have a significant role to play in promoting sustainability. By making sustainable choices, companies set a precedent for others to follow and contribute towards a greener future. 

At Kwik Kopy, we take sustainability seriously, and it is an integral part of our identity. We understand the impact our operations have on the environment, and we actively seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint. As trailblazing leaders of sustainability within the Australia print industry, we drove the initiative towards greener print practices, becoming the first company in Australia to achieve network Sustainable Green Print (SGP) Certification. 

What is SGP? 

SGP is an environmental certification program led by the Print and Visual Communication Association (PVCA). The audit based program sets an industry standard for print businesses to strive towards. The program consists of ongoing training and development, commitment and the implementation of an Environmental Management Systems (EMS). 

When you see the SGP logo, you can rest assured you’re dealing with a business that has made a concerted effort to offer sustainable products and is continuously implementing innovative systems and processes to reduce its environmental impact. 

What Does Sustainability in the Print Industry Look Like?

When we consume, we emit. This is true across all industries. Sustainability in the print industry is about recognising this and making a conscious effort to reduce emissions. We have demonstrated this by aligning ourselves with accredited renewable energy suppliers and partnering with Carbon Neutral on their Plant-A-Tree initiative. 

Furthermore, we take a responsible approach to waste management by implementing recycling processes and safely disposing of any chemicals used in the printing process. Additionally, we source the quality, eco-friendly products with local suppliers that provide sustainable solutions for our customers. 

Print vs. Digital Media 

The advantages of print media are plenty. We’re firm believers that there is no substitute for the emotional connection and depth of meaning conveyed by tangible print collateral. But the advantages of print media extend beyond the emotional realm to environmental and cognitive benefits. 

Digital fatigue and burnout became particularly prevalent through the COVID pandemic, and since then, we needn’t look further than the rise in the digital detox movement, which highlights the toll that digital media has had on our daily lives, and the need for alternative ways to consume information.

Contrary to popular belief, the print and paper industry is actually more sustainable than it is often given credit for. In fact, the industry has reduced its CO2 emissions by 97% since 1990 - the same certainly can’t be said for the internet! We think it’s our duty to debunk the myths surrounding the environmental impacts of the print and paper industry.

We celebrate that Kwik Kopy is at the forefront of SGP and we continue to demonstrate our commitment to green print. Our SGP certified centres all undertake 'self audits' to ensure their processes and EMS are up to standard and submit their results to the PVCA annually. We’re pleased to announce that over 80% of our centres have achieved SGP recertification in 2023. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we continue to lead the way in environmentally conscious printing practices. 

Looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint? Start by supporting sustainable industries and businesses! Take the guesswork out of choosing a sustainable print provider and look for the SGP logo. Choose Kwik Kopy for eco-friendly solutions.