The Complete Guide to Choosing Sustainable Print Companies Near You
Did you know roughly 14% of global deforestation happens to meet the demand for paper products?
Even in today’s digital world, print is still essential. Business cards, brochures, labels, signage, and custom packaging all remain critical to how companies communicate and grow. At the same time, more and more businesses want to reduce their environmental impact—especially when it comes to printing.
So what can eco-conscious companies do?
The answer: eco-friendly printing. And the good news is that sustainable printing practices are more accessible and local than ever before. Searching for “sustainable print companies near me” is the first step toward reducing your environmental footprint, supporting local businesses, and cutting down fuel emissions tied to shipping.
If you’re ready to take sustainability seriously, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Work With a Professional Printing Company?
It’s easy to assume that an office printer can handle your business’s needs—but professional printing companies offer far more than basic equipment can provide.
When you invest in high-quality printing, you’re also investing in how your customers perceive your brand. Print is often the first touchpoint between you and your audience, so quality matters.
Here’s where professionals make all the difference:
Expertise
While you likely don’t have printing specialists on staff, partnering with a print company gives you access to their knowledge and guidance. They’ll help you make the right choices for materials, formats, colors, and finishes.
Business Cards
Business cards are small but powerful. Crisp printing and premium paper stock immediately show professionalism. Strong print quality can even translate into increased sales—studies show that every 2,000 business cards shared results in about a 2.5% increase in sales.
Greeting Cards & Client Touchpoints
Thoughtful touches like holiday cards, thank-you notes, and congratulatory messages help build loyalty. Professional printers offer beautiful card options that elevate these personal interactions.
How to Choose the Right Printing Company
Once you’ve decided to partner with a print company, it’s important to consider several factors—especially if sustainability is a priority.
Understanding Carbon Footprint in Printing
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released by a person, product, or organization. In printing, several things affect that footprint:
1. Material Sourcing
Paper primarily comes from trees—but how those trees are harvested matters. Key questions to ask:
Are forests responsibly managed and replenished?
Is the paper made with recycled content?
How much energy is used in production?
2. Transportation
Shipping distance and method contribute heavily to emissions. A local print shop drastically reduces transport-related fuel consumption.
3. Manufacturing Process
Machines, inks, and energy use all play a role in environmental impact.
When businesses make small, intentional choices—like using local sustainable printing—they contribute to a healthier planet.
How to Select the Best Sustainable Print Company Near You
Here’s what to evaluate when comparing printing partners:
1. Cost Transparency
Prices vary based on size, materials, finishes, and quantities. Request quotes, compare responsiveness, and ensure the company clearly explains your options.
2. Capability to Meet Your Needs
Choose a printer that can handle both your current and future projects. Building a long-term relationship increases efficiency and consistency.
3. Request Samples
Samples let you assess print quality, paper weight, color accuracy, and finishing before you commit. Most reputable printers provide them for free.
4. Print Quantities
Some companies specialize in short runs; others only handle large volumes. Make sure your printer can scale with your business.
5. Product Offerings
From packaging to signage to promotional items, your printer should offer the range of services your business needs.
6. Compatible File Types
While PDFs are standard, many projects require alternative formats like PSD or AI files. Check what your printer accepts to avoid delays.
7. Reviews & Reputation
Look at medium-rated reviews (3–4 stars) for honest insights. Also consider:
volume of reviews
consistency in customer experience
recurring feedback about quality or service
Sustainable Materials: Inks, Paper & Processes
Eco-friendly printing goes far beyond recycled paper. Sustainable printers consider every component of production.
Sustainable Inks
Traditional inks often contain heavy metals, VOCs, and non-recyclable plastics. One toner cartridge alone can produce 4.8 kg of CO₂.
Sustainable print companies use alternatives like soy-based inks, which:
produce bright, vibrant colors
contain fewer harmful chemicals
make recycling easier
How to Make Sure You’re Getting Sustainable Ink:
Check if the company openly highlights sustainability (it should be easy to find on their site).
Verify that soy-based or low-impact inks are available.
Request them when placing your order.
Eco-Friendly Paper
Recycled and carbon-neutral papers are now widely available and affordable. Fun fact: paper fibers can be recycled up to seven times.
When selecting eco-friendly paper:
Ask if recycled or FSC-certified paper options are available
Request samples to compare texture and color
Confirm whether your preferred finish (matte, gloss, uncoated) is available in sustainable formats
Recycled paper prints just as beautifully as traditional paper—with a much smaller footprint.
Low-Energy Printing Technology
Advances in printing equipment make sustainable printing more efficient than ever. Modern low-energy presses reduce energy usage without sacrificing speed or quality.
Features to look for:
LED curing systems
Shorter setup times
Waste-reducing automation
Examples include presses like the Komori Lithrone GL640, engineered to minimize waste and energy consumption.
The “Green Printing Trifecta”
If you want truly sustainable printing, look for companies that offer all three:
Eco-friendly paper
Sustainable inks
Energy-efficient printers
This trio dramatically reduces the environmental impact of every project.
What Sets the Best Sustainable Print Companies Apart?
Certifications
Reliable printers share certifications such as:
ISO standards
FSC or SFI certification for paper
Environmental compliance credentials
Awards
Industry awards signal both quality and commitment to innovation.
Testimonials
Real customer experiences help you gauge quality, consistency, and service.
Community Partnerships
Eco-focused printers often support:
environmental nonprofits
educational programs
local community initiatives
This shows they walk the walk—not just talk the talk.
Sustainable Packaging
Packaging is one of the largest contributors to waste—over 40% of plastic waste comes from traditional packaging.
Sustainable printing companies reduce waste by offering:
smaller, right-sized boxes
recyclable air pillows instead of bubble wrap
minimal or plastic-free wrapping
eco-friendly inks for printed packaging
If your business also ships products, your printer can help you design branded, sustainable packaging solutions.
Carbon Balancing & Responsible Forestry
To fight excess CO₂, many sustainable print companies participate in:
reforestation programs
responsible forestry initiatives
carbon balancing programs
Always confirm your printer uses FSC-certified, recycled, or responsibly sourced paper.
Community Impact & Industry Advocacy
Eco-friendly printers go beyond their own operations. They:
support causes aligned with sustainability
contribute to local communities
promote collaboration across the print industry
educate and inspire future printing professionals
The best companies strengthen both the environment and the industry.
Industry Expertise Matters
Print companies with industry-leading equipment, skilled teams, and proven experience can deliver exceptional results—while maintaining sustainable practices.
Check:
their “About” or “Our Story” page
their equipment list
their sustainability commitments
This helps you understand their expertise and values.
TEAM LEGACY: Our Commitment to Sustainable Printing
If you’re searching for sustainable print companies near you, this guide gives you the roadmap to make an informed decision.
At TEAM Concept Printing, sustainability and community impact are core to who we are. In early 2022, we launched TEAM LEGACY, a long-term program built on three pillars:
Making a Positive Community Impact
Enhancing Sustainability Practices Across Operations
Advocating for Innovation and Collaboration in the Print Industry
We’re dedicated to meaningful action—reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, supporting our community, and pushing the industry forward.
Learn more about TEAM LEGACY.
If you’re looking for high-quality, sustainable printing services, contact TEAM Concept Printing for a fast, free quote today.