The traditional publishing supply chain contains significant overhead and can negatively impact the environment. From printing to warehousing, there are ecological costs to be measured in terms of raw materials used, energy consumption, carbon emitted during book manufacturing and shipping, and the power required to store, manage, and pulp overstock. How can environmentally conscious publishers lower their carbon footprints without completely halting supply chains?
“There is a tremendous cost that can be measured in direct and indirect contributions to greenhouse gases,” says Paul Randall, Product Marketing Manager at HP Publishing Solutions. “Companies need to understand the real impact they have on the natural environment and how they can do more act sustainably.”
And that’s where HP Publishing Solutions can help.
With its global network of print partners, HP offers publishers cost-effective and environmentally conscious options that reduce production complexity and allow for scalable distribution. And HP’s predefined product catalogue allows for no up-front costs, manageable end-to-end service, and global reach without the traditional overhead. Plus, HP’s global print network uses standardized press technology, ensuring print quality and reproduction.
“Printing geographically closer to the end-user requires less energy and results in a reduction of carbon emissions into the environment,” Randall says. “And when printing to order, instead of printing to projection, publishers can reduce the need to ship, stock, or even potentially destroy—each step of which is a waste of energy and resources and results in the release of greenhouse gases into the environment.” Print-on-demand via a global network offers significant benefits in reducing a publisher’s waste, shipping costs, and carbon footprint.
“We reduce unnecessary printing and waste, transportation impact and costs, administrative fees and warehousing expenses,” Randall says, who notes that from start to finish, HP Publishing Solutions uses materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. The company’s water-based ink is delivered in reusable containers, certified deinkable and recyclable, and produces a high-quality product at significant cost savings.
Key to HP’s approach are the three p’s of sustainability: people, planet, and profit. “Publishers who print on recycled paper, use water-based inks, and choose print partners and service providers that honor the three p’s can take it to the public square,” Randall says, adding that readers are increasingly mindful of how publishing companies use natural resources. When publishers choose service providers that honor sustainability, they are working toward reimagining supply chains for both financial and environmental sustainability.
HP’s innovative solutions allow publishing companies to transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly publishing model. And with HP Publishing Solutions' scope of offerings and global scale, there’s never been a better time for publishers to rethink their printing solutions and preserve the environment.
For more information, please contact hppublishingsolutions@hp.com.
