Ethical sourcing

graphics.coop has a recognised expertise in recycled paper and other environmentally-friendly materials. As a major specifier of 75% post-consumer-waste recycled papers, we have taken the trouble to inspect the mills where the papers are made.

Detailed environmental specifications

We don't just specify stock as ‘recycled paper’ - we can give you the proper breakdown of its content and describe the quality standards that it maintains. On larger projects we will send you a mock-up of the proposed publication so you can get a feel for its quality. [Download our info sheet on recycled papers]

We promote the use of vegetable-based printing inks as an alternative to the usual mineral oil inks. As well as reducing fossil fuel use, vegetable inks avoid the problem of toxic mineral oils getting into the paper recycling chain where they can end up contaminating food via the cardboard packaging.

Other environmentally-friendly products and working practices

Our efforts in promoting ethical practices do not stop with the use of recycled paper. We have also sourced recycled cups, pens, pencils, bags, pencil cases, paper fixings and vegetable inks. [Download our info sheet on eco-friendly merchandise]

As a rule, we'll use other ethically minded companies (such as environmentally-friendly couriers) wherever we can. We work to a written environmental policy.

Clients with high standards

Many of the organisations we supply are active on environmental issues: Changeworks, Community Recycling Network Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, City of Edinburgh Council Waste Aware project and the The Bike Station.