At Walsworth, we believe in creating beautiful, high-quality printed products while minimizing our environmental impact. From the moment a tree begins its journey in a Michigan forest to the finished product delivered to our customers’ doors, sustainability is a core principle we adhere to throughout our printing process. Learn more in our video, From Forest to Press: Walsworth’s Commitment to Sustainability.
Sourcing Trees Responsibly
Most of our paper comes from forests in the Great Lakes region in Northern Michigan. The remainder is harvested ethically from responsibly managed forests in other parts of the world. Each harvested tree provides enough paper for roughly 8,000 sheets. After harvesting, tree stumps are left to nourish the ecosystem, and new trees grow through replanting and natural regeneration.
Energy-Efficient Paper Production
Once they reach the paper mill, the logs are shredded and transformed into pulp, the foundation for our paper. Any water used in the pulp-making process is reused before being returned to nearby waterways. Additionally, these paper mills strategically reuse excess heat generated during processing, improving energy efficiency.
Reducing Emissions During Transport
Whenever possible, we choose rail transportation for our paper shipments, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to road freight. By sourcing the majority of our paper from the continental United States, we reduce the need for large-scale overseas transportation, further reducing energy use and emissions.
Sustainable Printing Practices
Our commitment to eco-friendly printing starts with low-emission press equipment. Aluminum printing plates, meticulously laser-etched for each project, are recycled after use. Furthermore, we use vibrant vegetable-based inks that are safer for the environment and easier to recycle than traditional petroleum-based inks.
We’re proud to say our hard work is paying off. Between 2010 and 2020, our efforts to create a greener operation led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions.
Minimizing Waste
The bindery department prioritizes waste reduction by reusing and recycling leftover materials from both the printing and binding processes. Walsworth recycles nearly 30 million pounds of paper and other fiber-based products annually. Even our hardcover book covers are crafted with recycled materials.
Sustainable Packaging
The final step – packaging your finished product – emphasizes sustainability as well. The material we use to package and distribute our products is made from recycled fibers with at least 35% post-consumer content. This approach minimizes our environmental footprint and contributes to our efforts toward responsible resource management.
A Legacy of Environmental Responsibility
As a family-owned company with over 87 years of experience, Walsworth is dedicated to sustainable practices. We believe high-quality printing and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. By embracing eco-friendly solutions throughout the printing process, we aim to fulfill our customers’ printing needs while contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.
