Introduction to sustainable development in the graphic arts industry

The article analyses strategies of sustainable development in the graphic arts industry. There are many deinitions of sustainable development, including this landmark one which first appeared in 1987: development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development calls for a convergence between the three pillars of economic development, social equity and environmental protection. The best illustration is an equilateral triangle, divided for three triangles. Every triangle symbolizes one of pillars. If triangles are identical it means ideal proportions between the three pillars: economy, ethics and ecology. Graphic arts is a specific branch of industry. Printing industry requires special attention in view of the sustainable development because it covers three steps of production: prepress, press and postpress (very often performed in one printing house).The article analyses strategies of sustainable development in the graphic arts industry. There are many deinitions of sustainable development, including this landmark one which first appeared in 1987: development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development calls for a convergence between the three pillars of economic development, social equity and environmental protection. The best illustration is an equilateral triangle, divided for three triangles. Every triangle symbolizes one of pillars. If triangles are identical it means ideal proportions between the three pillars: economy, ethics and ecology. Graphic arts is a specific branch of industry. Printing industry requires special attention in view of the sustainable development because it covers three steps of production: prepress, press and postpress (very often performed in one printing house)