We try to balance many elements in our approach to printing but as a basic principle we aim to apply the most advanced environmental technologies to the three major elements of printing, (namely printing technologies, ink and paper) to help reduce our impact on the environment.
While, as an absolute minimum, we are compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) and the EU Directives that have replaced it, our aim is to go much further and holistically rather than as just a tick box exercise. We strive to find the best and most practical environmentally friendly solution available within certain key constraints such as cost, durability, security etc. and we are regularly monitoring it as part of our policy of continuous improvement.
Paper for RYA Books and Certificates
Paper
All our paper is sourced from sustainable forests.
Film Lamination
We use film lamination to enhance and protect book covers; this process is now all water based instead of gasoline or spirit based. We use gloss lamination to make the writing and pictures appear crisper and sharper, while having more contrast.
Chlorine
Paper is bleached to make brighter and whiter paper. Due to the adverse environmental effect of using Elemental Chlorine, we use either Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) paper that has been bleached using chlorine dioxide and Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) paper using hydrogen peroxide as preferable alternatives.
Ink
We use soya based inks which do not compromise the quality of the printing.
RYA Photo ID Certificates
Examples of these include RYA Powerboat Level 2 and RYA Day Skipper practical certificates.
Core
These are made from Teslin which is a suitable and more sustainable alternative to the widely used plastic card. Teslin substrate (commonly known as ‘Teslin paper’) is a microporous, synthetic material that is soft, strong, can absorb inks readily, has a high bond-ability, is water resistant, highly printable, flexible and durable. These characteristics make Teslin an ideal alternative for plastic cards – reducing environmental risks while offering the same quality and convenience as PVC cards.
- Teslin breaks down to environmentally acceptable components like carbon dioxide and water. It can be safely disposed of in landfill and not leech into ground water. It can also be incinerated; when burned, it yields water, CO2, energy and a clean ash due to its silica filler.
- Key-fobs from well-known supermarkets are made from the same Teslin substrates as RYA Photo ID cards.
Gloss Film
PET film (polyethylene terephthalate) is used to coat the certificates rather than PVC due to its resilient properties and the fact that it is a kinder plastic to the environment in all aspects of manufacture and breakdown.
- PET film is more commonly known as the brand Dacron in the UK for its use in sailcloth.
Ink
We use oxidising ink which air dries and results in the ink hardening into a solid film which is exceptionally fade and rub resistant.
This page will be updated when we have any more information to add but please feel free to email publications@rya.org.uk if you have any questions.
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