Articles Sustainability

Reducing emissions with vegetable ink, carbon-neutral paper

Malaysia

Sustainable printing that lowers VOC emissions, protects health and supports sustainable forestry.

Soo Tyng Teh

Sustainability Director @ Nets Printwork Sdn Bhd

See profile

Posted 21/10/2024

Environmental challenge

The printing industry is traditionally energy-intensive and reliant on materials that harm the environment. Nets Printwork addresses these challenges by reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient machines, using vegetable-based inks with lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and promoting carbon-neutral printed materials.

Purpose and strategy

Nets Printwork is undergoing a sustainable transformation from conventional to eco-friendly printing. The company has invested in carbon-neutral press machines, eco inks with lower VOCs and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper. It is the only printer in Malaysia offering SIRIM Eco Label and Carbon Footprint labels for printed materials. In addition, Nets Printwork has installed solar panels to increase renewable energy use and initiated the production of sustainability reports.

The company’s vision is to shape an eco-conscious lifestyle in Asia by providing sustainable printing and packaging solutions. Nets Printwork’s mission covers four key areas: environmental conservation, delivering value to clients, fostering employee development and engaging in responsible corporate citizenship. The company's commitment to eco-innovation and professionalism ensures that its printing services align with sustainability goals while providing high-quality solutions to clients.

Impact and innovation

Nets Printwork's eco-printing transformation contributes to its sustainable growth strategy by incorporating major changes in machine use, materials and management systems. The company has invested 80% of its budget into this transformation, averaging RM 5.6 million (USD 1.3 million) per year for environmental initiatives such as waste reduction, pollution prevention and eco-product development. Nets Printwork's investment in vegetable-based inks, sourced from soybeans, linseed and tung nuts, has reduced VOC emissions and health risks for employees and customers.

Its use of FSC-certified paper supports sustainable forest management, with sales of FSC-labelled jobs making up 10% of the company’s print output.

By transitioning to eco-inks and carbon-neutral printing machines, Nets Printwork is committed to protecting the environment and promoting healthier, sustainable printing practices. The company has also upcycled waste materials, turning items such as aluminium plates into merchandise, certificates, and other products. Scheduled waste is collected by licensed contractors, who recycle materials into spill kits or use them as energy-generation raw materials, contributing to the circular economy.

Future outlook

In the short term, Nets Printwork plans to increase the use of FSC and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) materials, promoting responsible paper sourcing. By the end of 2024, the company will implement an ESG and carbon tracking platform to improve sustainability reporting and carbon management.

In the long term, Nets Printwork aims to offer low-carbon or carbon-neutral printed materials and packaging solutions, becoming a leader in sustainable printing across the region. The company’s continued innovation and investment in green technologies will help drive the transition to eco-friendly practices within the printing industry.

Nets Printwork Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian printing company committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly inks, FSC-certified paper, and carbon-neutral machines. As the only printer in Malaysia offering SIRIM Eco Label and Carbon Footprint labels, Nets Printwork leads the way in environmentally responsible printing solutions.

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Equality Climate Change Governance Sustainability Steward Leadership

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