Some of the most rewarding print projects are the ones where the finished product has a purpose beyond simply looking good. That was certainly the case when Dynamic Print became involved in producing the What the World Needs Now series of environmentally themed children’s books. The project began when Tracey Stewart from Freshly Pressed was looking for the right printing company to work with author Cheryl Rosebush on a series of books designed to help children understand some of the environmental challenges facing our planet. From our first conversations, it was clear that sustainability was going to be an important part of the project.
Bringing our paper and printing experience to the project
Before owning Dynamic Print, I spent more than 30 years working in the paper industry. That experience was particularly useful on this project because, when you’re trying to make a printed product more sustainable, it’s not just about choosing an eco-friendly paper. We looked at the whole process – from the paper mill and paper merchant through to the paper, inks, printing and finishing. Working with our supply chain and production partners, we were able to use a number of environmentally considered materials and processes, including 100% recycled paper, vegetable-based inks and biodegradable lamination for the book covers. The books were also produced using carbon-balanced printing. We also looked at how the wider supply chain could contribute to environmental projects, with support for organisations including the World Land Trust and Woodland Trust to help offset the carbon emissions associated with the printing and shipping of the books. For me, that was an important part of the project. Sustainability shouldn’t just be something written on the packaging. It’s worth looking at what happens throughout the production process.
What did Dynamic Print contribute to the What the World Needs Now books?
Dynamic Print helped to source and manage the print production for the What the World Needs Now children’s book series. Based in Norwich, Norfolk, we brought more than 30 years of experience in the paper industry to the project, helping to consider the paper, inks, printing, finishing and wider supply chain. The idea wasn’t simply to print the books. We wanted to look at each stage of production and see where more environmentally considered choices could be made.
This included:
- Using 100% recycled paper
- Using vegetable-based inks
- Using biodegradable lamination for the covers
- Considering the wider environmental impact of the production and shipping process
- Working with our paper and print supply chain to make responsible choices
- Supporting environmental organisations through carbon offsetting and contributions connected with the project
Cheryl herself has since highlighted Dynamic Print’s involvement on her website, explaining that she chose to work with us because of our ability to source recycled and natural-fibre papers and reduce the amount of ink and plastics used in the printing process.
A collaboration from start to finish
One of the things I really enjoyed about this project was how many people and businesses came together to make it work. We were delighted to collaborate with Barnwell Print, Lenzing and Premier Paper, alongside Tracey and Cheryl, to bring the books to life. After working together for around a year, we helped produce the first three books in the series, with the aim of combining high-quality printing with carefully considered environmental choices. The What the World Needs Now series is aimed at children aged around 4–8 and uses stories and friendly animal characters to introduce young readers to subjects such as trees, bees and plastic pollution. The first book, What the World Needs Now: Trees!, was endorsed by renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, while What the World Needs Now: Less Plastic! received recognition from environmental and wildlife experts, including Marine Conservation Society Ambassador and wildlife cameraman Doug Allan.
How can printed books be produced more sustainably?
One thing I’ve learned from many years in the paper and print industry is that there isn’t a single answer when it comes to making print more sustainable. The right choices depend on the individual project, what the printed product needs to do and the materials available. At Dynamic Print, we can help clients look at different paper stocks, recycled and alternative fibre papers, inks, coatings and finishing options before production begins. There is sometimes an assumption that printed products are automatically bad for the environment. In reality, there are many factors to consider, including the materials selected, how they are manufactured, the inks and coatings used, production methods, waste and what happens to the product at the end of its useful life. That’s why we believe it’s important to look at the whole picture rather than simply choosing a paper because it has an environmental label.
Why print still matters
What I particularly liked about this project was that the books were being used to communicate something important. The What the World Needs Now books were created to encourage children to think about environmental issues, so it felt right that the books themselves should reflect those principles wherever possible. Print is something people can physically hold, read and keep. In this case, the books were being used to introduce younger readers to subjects such as trees, conservation and plastic pollution. When you touch and read these books, it is clear they “walk the talk”, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it.
A project we were proud to be part of
At Dynamic Print, we work with businesses, designers, authors and organisations looking for something a little different from their print. This project brought together my experience in paper and printing, along with the knowledge and expertise of our suppliers and production partners. It was also a great example of how a printed product can be produced with sustainability in mind when everyone involved is prepared to look carefully at the choices being made. Most importantly, the books had a purpose. They were designed to help introduce younger readers to some of the environmental challenges facing our planet and encourage them to think about the world around them. We were incredibly proud to play a small part in bringing the series to life. If you’re considering an environmentally focused print project and would like to discuss paper choices, inks, finishes or ways of reducing the environmental impact of your printed materials, talk to Dynamic Print. With more than 30 years of experience in the paper and print industry, we can help you explore the options available.
Dynamic Print
Norwich, Norfolk
01603 400040
Find out more
You can find out more about Cheryl Rosebush and the What the World Needs Now children’s book series on her website, including information about the books and their eco-printing credentials.
