Sustainable printing
Environmentally aware, responsible and forward-looking: at our company, avoiding harmful substances and using environmentally friendly materials in a consistent way is simply second nature. As such, we use water-based, mineral oil-free inks and FSC®-certified paper. However, sustainable printing also requires corporate structures and production processes that are environmentally effective and geared towards efficiency. We are able to achieve this by driving innovation and investing in future-forward technology. Another plus point is the special synergy that exists between the three Christiansen Print-sites: the use of energy, resources and consumable supplies is meticulously organised in conjunction with the other locations. This allows us to avoid unnecessary transportation and waste from the very outset. Our ability to plan and roll all of this out in an efficient way from the preparatory stages is aided by our completely digitalised process management. Christiansen Print is certified in accordance with ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 50001 (energy management) and has been awarded the FSC®-seal of approval for responsible, sustainable paper management.
Sustainable printing with the seal of approval – on environmentally friendly FSC®-certified paper
Paper is a valuable renewable raw material. Most of the paper used in Christiansen Print facilities is therefore FSC®-certified. Either kraft liner made of fresh fibre or recycled paper, known as testliner, may be used, depending on the wishes of the corrugated cardboard-manufacturer.
All three Christiansen Print-sites are certified with the FSC®-seal of approval for sustainable paper management. Certification ensures complete control of the entire process chain, from the tree to sustainable printing and all the way through to the final packaging product. Decisive proof for global customers – after all, it enables branded goods companies and corrugated cardboard-manufacturers to demonstrate that their environmental awareness at any time.
Sustainable printing with environmentally friendly water-based inks
All Christiansen Print-plants use especially environmentally friendly inks in their production. The range of inks used in water-based flexo printing was specially developed for this printing technology. Some of the inks are based on natural resins and also boast outstanding properties for printing: superb colour intensity, abrasion resistance and viscosity. As such, they make an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional inks.
Our HP PageWide T1100S digital printing system uses water-- and pigment-based CMYK-inks for printing. All of the special inks are also water-based and free of mineral oil. They meet the same strict requirements for environmentally friendly and sustainable printing as the standard CMYK-inks. The highest standards also apply to print enhancements for gloss, matt, effects, protection, etc.
Efficient processes- and energy management for sustainable printing
Since 2015, Christiansen Print has been certified in accordance with ISO 50001 (energy management) at the Northeim and Ilsenburg sites.
By implementing ISO-, we are making a decisive and ongoing investment in innovative technology. This allows individual production steps to be made more sustainable, even when it comes to the little details.
At the same time, we are always looking at the bigger picture. Our use of resources like paper and inks is efficiently coordinated across Europe.
Centralised planning and lean processes are essential for all sites. Cloud-based, fully digitised process management supports us in all areas of our business.
Another component remains the minimisation of power consumption in all plants, in terms of electricity, gas or liquefied petroleum gas.
Christiansen Print pursues its energy management-objectives with a sense of vision: the preservation of resources goes hand in hand with process and-cost optimisation. The THIMM Group’s current Sustainability Report provides an overview of the energy saving measures that have already been implemented and those that are planned for the future.
Sustainable printing with self-adhesive sleeves: Innovation saves on resources in Ilsenburg
We are also consistently optimising existing technology according to environmental criteria. This conserves resources, makes production processes more efficient and thus makes printing more sustainable overall.
Central cylinder-flexo printing at the Ilsenburg site involves unique sleeve-technology: printing forms can be affixed to cylinders and sleeves without having to use plate-mounting tape. Doing without plate-mounting tape doesn’t just avoid waste; the benefits of such innovation also include further standardisation, process optimisation and improved printing performance.
Two sleeves can be cleaned and activated at the same time on the world-unique sleeve-activation station. It’s fully automated, and there’s no contact with solvents. The time saved is enormous. Activating a sleeve used to take about 20 minutes, but nowadays Christiansen Print only needs eight minutes for two sleeves.