Print automation presents a variety of benefits for marketers in creating more efficient, cost-effective print materials. But this increased efficiency and overall reduction of waste also means print automation can help brands enhance their sustainability efforts and take a more eco-friendly approach to print. 

The choice between offset vs. digital print is one that marketers have to weigh when deciding the right print technology for producing print collateral. Depending on the job, factors like print run, cost, production time, and quality usually tip the scale into the offset or digital camp, but the introduction and development of Nanographic Printing^® can help marketers experience the benefits of digital print technology with the added value proposition of achieving even more efficient economies of scale. 

A recent report found that 73% of consumers still prefer direct mail over digital ads because of the tangibility of print. But even with this high level of consumer interest or preference, some marketers still shy away from using print sales and marketing communications like direct mail for fear that this type of outreach is less sustainable than the digital marketing channel.

Digital presses have long been heralded for their ability to help brands meet sustainability initiatives in print. The ability to reduce waste by printing exact quantities and using less ink to create the same quality as offset are important value propositions for creating sustainable print. The continued evolution of digital press technology has led to the development of Nanographic Printing^®, a revolutionary print platform that has opened up a world of possibilities for brands to leverage high-quality digital print that’s even more eco-friendly. 

It’s no secret that sustainability is top of mind for companies across nearly every industry. In fact, a recent study found that 65% of companies rank sustainability as one of the most important issues to address in their short and mid-term planning. While the direct impact of a more eco-friendly business model is helping to protect the environment, there are a number of other benefits for companies in focusing on more sustainable practices. 

It would be an understatement to say that the healthcare industry is invested in print. For example, research shows that the average 1,500-bed hospital prints more than 8 million pages per month. What’s more, even in the age of paperless billing and electronic health records (EHRs), more than 50% of consumers still prefer to receive print copies of critical customer communications like billing statements, account summaries, and medical records. 

We know that direct mail campaigns can be an extremely effective way of connecting with customers. However, the need to meet specific sustainability benchmarks across nearly every industry can muddy the waters in terms of incorporating direct mail campaigns into a larger print marketing strategy. 

Sustainability in print means something drastically different today than it did just a few years ago. What this difference looks like is exactly what Quantum Group’s Supply Chain Manager Paul Fillmore found himself wrestling with in the latest issue of LeadingPRINT. 

Almost every digital print platform has some limitations with media compatibility and whether some level of pretreatment is required before the substrate goes to print. This can create significant challenges during the print process, because it means that unexpected paper issues can easily extend production time or increase costs.