Is Foil Stamping Sustainable?
A common misconception with print is that in order to be environmentally friendly, you must compromise aesthetically pleasing finishes. That’s far from the truth. Sustainability and attention-grabbing results can go hand in hand. To set your brand apart to get that “wow” factor foil detail while also upholding environmental concerns, here’s everything you need to know about the sustainability of foil stamping.
What is the Foiling Stamping Process?
There are three main types of foil stamping. For each type, there are a range of colors used, including metallics.
Hot Foiling
Hot foil stamping uses a heated die to press the foil onto paper material. The finish looks slightly embossed and textured from the pressure of the die.
Cold Foiling
Cold foil stamping uses metallic paper backed with adhesive, so it sticks to the paper. The finish is slightly textured and is less shiny than the other two methods.
Digital Foiling
Digital foil stamping is the newest foiling process that has the fastest turnaround time with the least amount of waste. Compared to the other methods, it’s more efficient because it prints straight from a digital file without a custom stamping plate. This foiling process works best with laminated or shiny paper, fast turnaround projects, and small quantity orders.
Is Foil Stamping Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly?
In the marketing and retail world, the goal to be more environmentally sustainable has been a long-term issue, both in meeting company goals and government regulations. Foil stamping is a print finishing method that offers beautiful results while also remaining recyclable, compostable, and repulpable. This has been proven in a recent study conducted by Georgia Tech and the Foil Stamping & Embossing Association (FSEA) where they tested foil-decorated paper and paperboard and found that hot, cold, and digital foil stamping techniques were recyclable and repulpable. Furthermore, this information was credible enough to be added to the American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA) Design Guidance for Recyclability of Paper-based Packaging.
Additionally, with improvements in recycling technology, treatments of these paper products are much easier to recycle than they have been historically. The printed foil is thin enough where the coating weight is often less than ink, allowing it to dissolve during the repulping process. Therefore, after the prints intended use, it can simply be tossed into recycling. From there, the recycling process involves mixing the paper and paperboard with water to turn it into a pulp, where it is then pressed, dried, and rolled out into new sheets of paper. Good as new!
At Phillips, we take pride in our craftsmanship by producing the utmost quality in our finishing services. We also understand the importance of sustainability in the industry and have taken steps to ensure our environment is taken care of too. Should you have any questions about foil stamping for your next finishing project, contact us to learn more.