At Friesens, sustainability isn’t just part of our story, it’s the reason customers keep coming back. As one client shared, “Friesens’ commitment to eco-friendly printing and recycling is second to none. Their team guided us through every sustainable choice, making it easy to feel good about our project and its impact on the planet.”
From the first conversation to the final printed page, our customers trust us to deliver beautiful books while caring for the environment every step of the way.
OUR GREEN ROOTS RUN DEEP
Let’s be honest…being green isn’t just a trend for us. It’s who we are. We know that looking after the planet is just as important as creating books people love. That’s why we’re proud to be an FSC-certified printer, using paper from responsibly managed forests. And if you want to go all-in, we offer 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) paper options, so your project can make a real difference without sacrificing quality.
PRINTING THAT’S EASY ON THE EARTH
We’re all about the details. Our vegetable-based inks have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means cleaner air for everyone and a safer workplace for our team. Plus, our production facilities run on renewable hydroelectric and wind energy. Every book we print leaves a lighter footprint, and that’s something we’re pretty proud of.
SMART CHOICES, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
Sustainability isn’t just about the materials; it’s about making smart choices from start to finish. Whether you’re printing offset or digital, we help you pick the right paper, minimize waste with precise print runs, and even optimize shipping to cut down on emissions. Every decision counts, and we’re here to help you make the ones that are best for your project and the planet.
RECYCLING: NOTHING GOES TO WASTE
Here’s a fun fact: in 2024 alone, we recycled almost 12 million pounds of paper, plus aluminum plates and plastic packaging. That’s 160 truckloads of recyclables leaving our facilities every year! We bale and recycle 100% of our paper waste, from the pressroom to the bindery, prepress, and offices. Even our ink barrels get reused, and we recycle over 250,000 pounds of aluminum plates annually. If it can be recycled, you can bet we’re on it.
COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
Sustainability at Friesens doesn’t stop at our doors. We support local recycling programs, educate our employee-owners about waste reduction, and look for ways to make a positive impact in our community. Our internal composting program even inspired a bigger composting initiative in our head office home in Altona, Manitoba. It’s proof that small changes can spark big results.
LOOKING FORWARD
We’re not just printing books…we’re building a future where publishing is sustainable and ethical. Whether you’re an author, publisher, or just someone who cares about the planet, we invite you to join us. Together, we can make sustainability work.
