Okay, Greenwashing is hitting the invitation market bigtime. One of the large invitation manufacturers has launched a line of eco invitations. Their hook: 30% post consumer fiber. Better than nothing, of course. What about the ink? Wastage, process? So, we figure it’s time to focus on what to look for.
HARDCORE GREEN: The most eco invites: Recycled treefree invitations made locally, from recycled rag (old hemp clothes), using a wind or solar powered Hollander beater. (is that too hard core for you all:)Printed letterpress from handset type, and printed on a treddle press (which means no motor, operated by foot and leg power) Ink: vegetable based ink.
Letterpress uses very little ink, as long as you don’t have to create a custom mix.This is very old school, very difficult to do well, and expensive. But, very, very green!
In the 16th century, they made ink from chimney soot mixed with linseed oil.