In this article, we’ll discuss why as an American publisher, you’re most likely better off choosing a printing partner that operates and prints solely in the United States.

The Timeliness Advantage

Reduced Lead Times

If your business and customers are located in the United States, working with an American printer is more than likely going to drastically reduce shipping times compared to an overseas printer. These faster turnaround times can be a game changer, especially for publications that focus on timely issues like sports and politics. But even for other types of print products, like books and catalogs, faster shipping means happier customers.

Improved Communication

Communication with your printing partner will be much easier if they’re located in the same country. Working with an overseas printer can come with massive time zone differences that make instant communication difficult. Easier communication can lead to faster problem-solving, helping ensure print runs are executing smoothly and to your exact specifications.

Some publishers also like to visit the printing facility for an in-person press check, giving them a better understanding of what their final product will look like. An in-person visit is much more feasible if the plant is a three-hour drive away versus a 12-hour flight. 

Greater Flexibility

During the printing process, last-minute requests and changes may arise. By operating close to home, domestic printers are more able to accommodate these requests than international printers, ensuring your final product reflects your desired changes. And, with quicker turnaround times, last-minute reprints become much easier and won’t require weeks or months of waiting for products to clear customs. 

Supporting American Values

Ethical Sourcing

Some publishers choose to work with an American printing partner because they prioritize supporting ethical business practices. For example, Geoff from MCDM Productions told us when his company was looking for a new printing partner, it was important for them to find a company that matched their own values. “We take employee compensation and benefits, and ethics behind paper source and ink seriously,” Geoff explained. “Some of that you don’t get when you go other places. Getting the lowest price is not our priority – it’s about how everything is sourced and put together, and the overall customer service experience.”

Supporting Local Economies

When working with an American printing partner, it’s easier to see the impact your print project has on the employees who produce it. As a family-owned company based in Marceline, Missouri, �������Ƶ operates its print facilities exclusively in smaller towns where our work has a significant impact on the local economy, providing steady, stable jobs for families who have lived there for generations.

Reduced Environmental Impact

For American companies, choosing a domestic printing partner is an important step in minimizing carbon emissions resulting from long-distance shipping. Additionally, printing companies based in the United States adhere to certain environmental standards that help protect the environment from harmful production practices. Some companies even go a step further, obtaining certification from programs like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council. These certifications ensure companies adhere to responsible chain of custody procedures, resulting in kinder treatment of the earth and its forests.

Partner With �������Ƶ, a True American Printer

In summary, there are numerous benefits to choosing an American printing partner, both from a logistics standpoint and an ethical one. When you partner with �������Ƶ, you gain access to over 87 years of printing expertise, supported by our dedicated staff of Customer Service Representatives and Sales Representatives. With four state-of-the-art printing facilities located strategically across the Midwest, we offer mailing and distribution solutions to fit your schedule and budget. To find out more about our book, catalog and magazine printing solutions, get in touch with us today.

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Sourcing Trees Responsibly

Most of our paper comes from forests in the Great Lakes region in Northern Michigan. The remainder is harvested ethically from responsibly managed forests in other parts of the world. Each harvested tree provides enough paper for roughly 8,000 sheets. After harvesting, tree stumps are left to nourish the ecosystem, and new trees grow through replanting and natural regeneration.

Energy-Efficient Paper Production

Once they reach the paper mill, the logs are shredded and transformed into pulp, the foundation for our paper. Any water used in the pulp-making process is reused before being returned to nearby waterways. Additionally, these paper mills strategically reuse excess heat generated during processing, improving energy efficiency.

Reducing Emissions During Transport

Whenever possible, we choose rail transportation for our paper shipments, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to road freight. By sourcing the majority of our paper from the continental United States, we reduce the need for large-scale overseas transportation, further reducing energy use and emissions.

Sustainable Printing Practices

Our commitment to eco-friendly printing starts with low-emission press equipment. Aluminum printing plates, meticulously laser-etched for each project, are recycled after use. Furthermore, we use vibrant vegetable-based inks that are safer for the environment and easier to recycle than traditional petroleum-based inks.

We’re proud to say our hard work is paying off. Between 2010 and 2020, our efforts to create a greener operation led to a 60% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and a 99% reduction in hazardous air pollutant emissions.

Minimizing Waste

The bindery department prioritizes waste reduction by reusing and recycling leftover materials from both the printing and binding processes. �������Ƶ recycles nearly 30 million pounds of paper and other fiber-based products annually. Even our hardcover book covers are crafted with recycled materials.

Sustainable Packaging

The final step – packaging your finished product – emphasizes sustainability as well. The material we use to package and distribute our products is made from recycled fibers with at least 35% post-consumer content. This approach minimizes our environmental footprint and contributes to our efforts toward responsible resource management.

A Legacy of Environmental Responsibility

As a family-owned company with over 87 years of experience, �������Ƶ is dedicated to sustainable practices. We believe high-quality printing and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. By embracing eco-friendly solutions throughout the printing process, we aim to fulfill our customers’ printing needs while contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability.

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