Printed with heart and mind: Why "Printing in Austria" counts

Imagine your favorite book, your business card or the label on your jam first travels halfway around the world before it comes back to you - kind of absurd, right? That's exactly why printing in your own country is so important! After all, those who print in Austria are not only investing in quality and service, but also in sustainability, regional value creation and the protection of our environment. The "Print in Austria" campaigndraws attention to precisely this - with a clear message: regionality counts.

 

Well printed is half the battle
Anyone who has to place print orders is often faced with the question: cheap or good? Why not do both - and do it regionally?

It actually sounds reasonable: public contracts up to 143,000 euros may be awarded directly - beyond that, the Federal Procurement Act regulates a fair tendering process. The best bidder principle is intended to ensure that it is not only the price that counts, but also quality, sustainability and regionality. In practice, however, things often look different: The cheapest provider wins the race - regardless of where and how production takes place. In the cultural sector in particular, this means that books, exhibition catalogs and the like are increasingly being printed abroad. Austrian print shops? Often not even invited. This is exactly where a rethink is needed.

The newly compiled guide "Regional awarding of print products" helps with exactly this. Developed by the Print Media Association, the Printing Section of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and experts from the law firm PHH Rechtsanwält:innen, it shows how to make not only fair but also smart decisions based on the best bidder principle. This keeps quality and jobs in the region - and the decision good in the long term.

 

Big impact through short distances: Printed in Austria

At a time when climate protection is not a buzzword but a necessity, Austria as a printing location offers real advantages. Short transportation routes save CO₂, faster delivery times save nerves. Thanks to an electricity mix from renewable energies and high environmental standards, genuine quality is produced - with noticeably less impact on the climate. A concept that not only makes ecological sense, but also economic sense.

The "Printed in Austria" quality mark makes regional responsibility visible at first glance. For cultural institutions, tourism professionals and companies, it is a commitment to their home country - and a promise to the environment and future generations. Those who print in Austria focus on quality, secure jobs and strengthen local structures. And the best thing is that this decision is also visible to the outside world with an authentic label.

 

Creative industries as bridge builders

This shows once again that the creative industries are an important driver of sustainable change. Printers, agencies, graphic designers, authors - they all benefit from a strong, regional production chain. Together, they ensure that creative ideas not only originate in Austria, but also take shape here on high-quality paper. The alliance between culture, tourism and the creative industry is a real tour de force for the domestic economy.

Whether book, brochure or exhibition catalog: Creative projects carry their message further when they are created on home soil. "Print in Austria" is not just a campaign name, but also means that ideas, stories and visions become part of a sustainable economic cycle. This is exactly where the circle closes - and the creative industry is working together with the printing industry to create a better future.