In this case study, Arandell worked in conjunction with a client in the outdoor retail space to do something that had never been done before: print a catalog on 100% recycled stock. Below, you will read about the challenges both Arandell and this client experienced, as well as how they overcame them to print a catalog that is both good for the environment and still looks great in the customer’s hands.
About the Customer
This outdoor apparel company was born with a mission to build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. The company is recognized internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $89 million in grants and in-kind donations to date. While the world was grappling with the Great Recession, this client had its two best years ever. Sales stood at $315MM in 2009 and continues to grow.
The Challenge
The client has an extensive history of being stewards for environmental sustainability and wanted to begin utilizing 100% recycled paper. They were printing on 30% post-consumer paper because its high quality of standards couldn’t be achieved with 100% recycled paper stock at their previous vendor.
That’s when Arandell stepped in to take on the challenge. The challenge was to reset the ink densities. 100% recycled leaves the paper’s cellulose to be more porous, meaning ink blots into the structure of the paper resulting in a poor quality image.
The Solution
Working with the client’s creative team, Arandell was able to produce an outstanding catalog that captured both the product color reproduction and the feel they wanted to create. We worked to perfect the use of VOC – free water based inks. Engineers worked with Arandell to develop a 100% recycled paper, processed chlorine-free. The paper was manufactured using renewable biogas energy. In addition, Arandell introduced Retail Advantage™, a solution used to score each mail record to determine its mailibility and the impact it has on postage. We wanted to assure the client was mailing to the right customers.
Overall Impact
• Arandell reduced mailing costs by eliminating 23% undeliverable records
• Identifying duplicates showed they would save $1.2 million over the course of a year based on industry averages
• We updated 6% of the customer’s records
This client also saved the following when switching to 100% recycled paper:
• 536 tons of wood
• 1,698 billion BTUs of energy
• 1,456,101 gallons of water
• 205,902 pounds of solid waste