Alcohol-Free or Low-Alcohol Printing
A lithographic printing method that significantly reduces or eliminates isopropyl alcohol (IPA), thereby lowering the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Carbon Balanced Paper
Paper production and distribution impacts are neutralised by offsetting carbon emissions through conservation projects like those supported by the World Land Trust.
Carbon Balanced Printer
A printing company that calculates and offsets unavoidable carbon emissions through certified schemes such as the World Land Trust, ensuring all emissions are verified by a third party.
Carbon Balanced Publication
A printed product where the environmental impact of the entire production process is offset. This includes using a carbon-balanced printer and carbon-balanced paper, certified by a conservation organisation.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Emissions from human activities like burning fossil fuels accelerate the natural carbon cycle, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organisation, event, or product, expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).
Carbon Neutral
A state where the total carbon emissions of an entity or activity are effectively reduced and offset, achieving a net zero impact on the environment.
Carbon Offset
Actions that compensate for emissions by funding projects such as renewable energy, reforestation, or conservation to balance out carbon dioxide output.
Climate Change
A long-term alteration in global weather patterns and temperature averages, largely driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
A voluntary environmental management framework developed by the EU to help organisations improve their environmental performance systematically.
Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF)
A paper bleaching method that uses chlorine derivatives, such as chlorine dioxide, instead of elemental chlorine gas, making it more environmentally friendly.
FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council)
An organisation promoting responsible forest management. Products with FSC certification are made with materials sourced from sustainably managed forests or recycled sources.
FSC® Logos and Labels
Labels that indicate a product’s sustainable sourcing:
Greenhouse Gases
Gases like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
ISO 14001
An internationally recognised standard for creating an effective environmental management system, enabling businesses to minimise their environmental impact.
Post-Consumer Waste
Material that has served its purpose, been used by consumers, and then recycled.
Pre-Consumer Waste
Off-cuts and unused materials from industrial processes, recycled before reaching consumers.
Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF)
Paper produced without chlorine-based bleaching agents and often made with recycled content.
Renewable Energy
Energy sourced from natural, replenishable resources such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass.
Recyclable
Materials that can be reprocessed to make new products.
Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF)
Paper that is unbleached or bleached without any chlorine derivatives.
Vegetable-Oil Based Ink
Inks made using vegetable oils like soy or linseed oil, reducing VOC emissions compared to petroleum-based alternatives.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Chemicals emitted as gases from certain materials, contributing to air pollution.
Woodland Carbon
A scheme by the Woodland Trust to offset carbon emissions through tree planting, creating new woodland areas in the UK.
World Land Trust (WLT)
A conservation charity protecting critically endangered ecosystems globally, often through carbon offset projects.
Woodland Trust
The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, advocating for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of native woodlands.
