PFFC - September 2007 - (Page 37)

GREEN CONVERTING performs as well as virgin stock and at competitive prices. In addition to being eco-friendly, tree-free (plant) fiber—such as kenaf, hemp, flax, cotton, or combinations thereof—can be used as an alternative to virgin wood pulp. Plantfiber papers (especially kenaf and hemp) tend to be more durable than virgin wood fiber papers. Kenaf in particular, which contains less lignin than trees, requires fewer chemicals, takes less energy to process, is naturally acidfree, and is recyclable. Coated Versus Uncoated | Among the myriad choices of packaging materials available for printing and packaging, it is important to remember that coated stock is harder to recycle than uncoated. This is due to the clay coating Top Tips Checklist Paper Considerations u100% PCW, uncoated paperboard uProcess chlorine-free or elemental chlorine-free paper uFor virgin paper, use FSC- or SFI-certified stock that gives the paper its smooth, shiny surface characteristics. In fact, during the recycling process, up to 40% less fiber can be extracted from coated paper versus uncoated because of the clay content. Brand managers and package designers should consider using more uncoated paper. Premium uncoated, post-consumer-waste papers can provide great results in multicolor offset printing. Uncoated paperboard feels natural to the touch, and its tactile appeal is especially suited for fragrances and high-end personal care products where consumers tend to hold on to the secondary packaging. If a package design must have a smooth surface like that of coated stock, one alternative to consider is supercalendered paper. Supercalendering is a process in which uncoated paper is run through a series of chrome and fiber rollers to produce a smooth surface appearance closer in feel to that of coated paper. Production Specs Production uUse fewest materials necessary to be effective uUse PDF/digital proofs uIf package isn’t reusable, make sure it’s recyclable Ink Considerations uVegetable-based inks uLess ink coverage uAvoid metallic and fluorescent inks when possible Printing Options uAqueous-based coatings uCTP or DI technologies uDigital printing for small runs Finishing Options uEmbossing uDie-cutting uWater-based glues WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM Size to Minimize | For print runs of 5,000 or more, consider ordering a custom-size sheet of paper that meets exact design specifications versus a standard-size sheet that would require significant trimming. Doing so minimizes paper, chemical, and energy waste, which translates into dollar savings. Further, when making comps for a job, double-sided, smaller-size, reused, or recycled paper also can be requested from a printer. Fewer Folds for Less Waste | Complex folding specifications for a printed piece or package design may be appealing, but they require the use of more paper or paperboard, which can increase cost quickly depending on the volume of product being produced. For example, adjusting the size of a pocket or a folded section might reduce complexity. SEPTEMBER 2007 | 37 http://WWW.PFFC-ONLINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of PFFC - September 2007

Table of Contents First Glance From the Editor Calendar of Events Web Lines Process Management News Clips Narrow Web & Label Reporter Narrow Web & Label What’s New Products Narrow Web Sustainability: Going Green? What's the Score with Wal-Mart's Scorecard? Straight Talk From Your Trade Associations Learn 5 Key Elements to Creating Cost-Effective and Eco-Conscious Packaging Install Energy-Efficient Light Fixtures and Reap the Environmental Benefits People, Profit, Planet: How to Balance the Impact of a Triple-bottom-line Philosophy Show Preview What’s New Products Services Directory Classified Marketplace Equipment Buyers & Sellers Advertisers Index Experience Speaks

PFFC - September 2007

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