The annual meeting of global print lobby group Two Sides in London has pledged to strengthen its fight against corporate greenwashing.
Two Sides Australia/New Zealand executive director Kellie Northwood attended the meeting, which also agreed to build on the recent Toluna survey that found global consumers trust and prefer print on paper.
In a joint statement, the Two Sides country managers representing Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, said:
“Our industry, spanning a wide variety of players including forestry, paper making, printing, publishing and postal services, has a terrific record of reducing its environmental impact. As the world awakens to the need for a circular economy, print and paper users everywhere must be reminded about the natural recyclability and renewably of the materials we produce.
“We are delighted that our surveys reveal continuing consumer preference for print on paper. Our task is to see that confidence remain and we will continue to actively challenge any organisations that misrepresent the great sustainability story of print on paper.”
The recent ten-country survey undertaken by researcher Toluna revealed a strong global preference for print – including books, magazines and newspapers – when it comes to recreational reading.
Two Sides also plans to strengthen its global Anti-Greenwash campaign which has targeted major banks, utilities, telecoms and others. Of more than 600 organisations researched, 77% have been found to be using greenwash in their marketing, usually in breach of local regulations, and, after being challenged by Two Sides, 60% have voluntarily amended their messaging.
The latest Two Sides survey “Print and Paper in a Digital World” can be accessed here.
Two Sides is a global initiative by companies from the graphic communications industry including Forestry, Pulp, Paper, Inks and Chemicals, Pre-Press, Press, Finishing, Publishing, Printing, Envelopes and Postal Operators. Our common goal is to promote the sustainability of the Graphic Communications Industry and dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why Print and Paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium.