Sustainable Printing Using Recycled Paper

Printing for Less offers a variety of recycled papers on all of our products. We’re also always happy to accommodate requests for 100% recycled printing paper. However, not all recycled papers are created with the same environmental impact, and an environmentally-conscious company should be selective when choosing the paper for their printing project. While printing on a paper with a high ratio of post-consumer content is a popular option that is beneficial for some projects, saving the environment is not that easy. Chemically de-inking post-consumer paper back into the clean white paper best suited for attractive full-color printing is a toxic process, one with high energy consumption and waste disposal challenges. The scrap paper from our production facility is recycled into newsprint, which requires far less energy, water and chemical treatment than recycling into white paper. 

Let’s explore a few recycling terms:

Post Consumer Fiber

The EPA defines this material as paper, paperboard and fibrous wastes from retail stores, office buildings, and homes. Used corrugated boxes, old newspapers, magazines, junk mail and mixed waste paper all fall under this group. These items have been diverted from the waste stream. The two key words to keep in mind are “end products” and “consumers”. Scraps, cuttings, and loose ends from the paper mills do not qualify here.

Pre Consumer Waste

Also referred to as post-industrial waste, this is the by-product of the production process. Examples are “mill broke”, paper off-cuts, make readies and rejected or surplus printed matter.

De-Inked Material

Waste paper that has had the ink, fillings and coatings removed before being recycled. Examples are magazines and newspapers that were printed but never sold.

Printing Responsibly

Learn more about our sustainable printing solutions.

If you’d like to have your printing project quoted on 100% recycled paper, or have questions about alternative eco-friendly paper options, calling us at 800-924-2041, or request a quote on our Custom Pricing page. We’ll work with you in order to get the best product to meet your eco printing needs and suit your conscience.

Custom Printing with Metallic Ink

Make Your Print Shine with Metallic Ink

If you are looking to make a big impression with your next print project, sometimes plain black or colored ink just won’t cut it. When you venture beyond the familiar territory of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, a wide world of color possibilities opens up for you. Whether you’re striving for vibrancy not attainable in process colors, or looking to add some pizzazz to your printed piece, it may be time to consider incorporating some custom printing finishes to add that little something extra—think spot colors, embossing, foil stamping, spot varnish, and of course, metallic inks.

Metal Madness – A Lustrous Add-on

Metallic inks are special inks that create a shine and luster you won’t see in standard inks. Silver and gold metallics are the most common, but metallic inks also come in bright blues, vibrant purples, hot reds and burnished coppers. Metallic inks are perfect for presenting that high-end image because they add attention-grabbing shine to any printed piece without the higher cost of foil stamping. There are a variety of different ways you can incorporate metallic inks into your organization’s print materials. Consider the following ideas:

• Highlight headlines or important points on postcards, brochures, and flyers
• Add some elegance to invitations or stationery with gold or silver metallic ink
• Add some pizzazz to your company name or logo
• Create an unforgettable business card with subtle metallic highlights
• Use several different metallic inks together to create a unique image or design
• Make special elements or lettering on your presentation folders pop

Get it Right: Things to Consider When Using Metallic Inks

If you are thinking of using metallic ink on your next offset printing project, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you get the best possible results.

1. Do your homework – Not every printer has experience with metallic inks. Before you award a metallic job to a printer, ask to see samples of various metallic projects the shop has produced in the past.
2. Be forward – Show your design to the printer early in the process. If either of you are concerned about how the metallic colors will read, it may be worth negotiating a small press proof—the gold standard insurance policy for getting the look you want.
3. Coated is key – If you are aiming for maximum shine, print on a coated stock—the glossier the better. Coated stocks have more ink holdout, which means that less of the ink is absorbed into the paper fibers. It sits atop the paper instead, where it can work up some serious shine.
4. Protect your piece – Since they’re composed of metal flakes, metallics are somewhat prone to chalking and flaking.

Metallic inks not only look nice, they will also help take your marketing materials to the next level by defying the status quo. Oftentimes, the spotlight of attention is on the layout and colors of the piece and the use of ink sometimes gets neglected. If you incorporate metallic inks, you create a shiny and glossy effect that will make your full color postcard, business card, catalog or brochure stand out from the pack.

 

How to use Embossing in your Printed Materials

What is embossing?

Blind embossing example Embossing is the process of using male and female etched dies (typically made of magnesium, brass or copper) and heat to raise or push letters or a design above the surface of a sheet of paper; it creates an eye-catching three-dimensional effect. The embossing die is made with a reversed image of the design. When this process is reversed it creates an indented image, and is known as debossing. Depending on the complexity of the design, computer controlled milling machines or hand sculptured engraving are used to convert the graphic image to the metal embossing die. A good example of paper embossing that many of us have seen (and felt) is a notarized document. Many times these embosses are “blind,” meaning there is no ink, only the raised paper design. Other effects can be added, such as metallic foil to highlight the raised area and create an even more stunning effect.

Embossing Techniques or Die Styles

Embossing is available in a number of different die styles, each having a distinct appearance and optimal use based on what type of element is being embossed.

• Round dies produce an image that is curved at the edges.
• Flat dies produce a straight edge good for embossed type or hard shapes.
• Sculptured dies produce an almost 3D appearance using multiple layers.
• Beveled dies create sloped sides that are good for deep embossed effects.

How to use Embossing

Embossing is a technique that’s perfect for adding a touch of class and individuality to your printed piece. It works well on many types of printing products, including:

• Business cards
• Letterhead and envelopes
• Presentation folders
• Postcards and Rack Cards
• Brochures
• Invitations
• Certificates
• Greeting Cards

Embossing with foil stamping Many elements and images in your design can be embossed, including text. The most effective embossed pieces use a detailed die and heavier paper stock to highlight the depth and detail of the embossed graphics or images. Also, with the addition of colored or metallic foil stamping as shown in this image, the emboss really stands out, both literally and visually. It is a great way to draw out and highlight important details, such as names, designs or logos. A combination embossing die and foil stamping die is needed for this process. Our team can help you convert your graphic designs into templates for the embossing or foil die creation.

Embossed printing is an elegant way to add a unique look, and more importantly, feel to your marketing piece. Considering how many pieces of mail, business cards and other printed materials your target audience gets each day and at every tradeshow and convention, this special touch can make all the difference in your piece getting noticed or not. Embossed business cards can make a lasting impression. Add custom embossing or debossing to your marketing practices to stand up and out from the crowd and stop your customers in their tracks. Need technical or creative advice on your embossed printing project? Give our helpful experts a call at 800-924-2041, or Get Pricing Check out our full line of custom printing effects and finishes.

Hot Foil Stamping – Make Your Printing Pop

Nothing in print says “elegance” like foil stamping, but what exactly is it? Foil stamping, hot stamping or hot foil stamping is the application of pigmented or metallic foil to paper using pressure and a heated die. The die presses the foil onto the surface under pressure, leaving the design of the die on the paper.

Foil stamping, or foil printing is frequently combined with embossing to produce a three-dimensional image. You’ve likely seen this effect on holiday cards, wedding invitations and certificates. There are so many ways to use foil stamping to set your print apart from the crowd.

Types of Foil

There are many types of foil that can make your printed piece pop.

• Metallic Foils have a metal-like sheen and a shine or shimmer, and come in a variety of colors, such as gold, silver, copper, green, blue and red.
• Gloss Pigment Foils have a high glossy, but non-metallic finish and come in many colors.
• Matte Pigment Foils have a dull finish with deep solid colors.
• Special Effects Foils such as marbles, woodgrains, leathers or pearl add distinctive textures and looks.
• Holographic Foils use the transfer of a hologram image onto unique foils. Holographic foils add a dramatic effect that often provides a “high-tech” look.

Benefits of Hot Foil Stamping

• Greater brand perception: Research shows that by adding gold foil printing or other interesting effects to your piece, consumers perceive a higher value and quality of your product.
• Attention-grabbing effects: Foil stamping helps make your printed piece stand out from the crowd with its distinctive and eye-catching appeal.

What can you Foil Stamp?

Foil can be applied to most paper stocks. However, the ideal paper stock for metallic foil or other foil stamps is gloss cover or other stocks with a smooth surface. Linen or other textured papers can be a challenge for foil due to their uneven surfaces, as the foil may not look as crisp.

Business cards, brochures, presentation folders, greeting cards, note cards, invitations or diplomas and certificates are some of the endless possibilities that you can foil stamp. Add a touch of class to your marketing materials with elegant and affordable foil stamping. Learn more about designing print materials for foil stamping.

Because of the extensive setup involved, a minimum quantity of 250 pieces is required.

Request our custom printing effects sample to see examples of these effects first-hand. Need creative or technical advice on using foil stamping on your next printing project?

Give our print experts a call at 800-924-2041, or Get Pricing.

Examples of Foil Stamping