Historically linked with high resource consumption and environmental impacts, the print industry has been experiencing a significant transformation toward sustainability in recent years. With a growing societal focus on ecological conservation, the industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Key drivers of this shift include the global move towards sustainable business models, advancements in eco-friendly printing technologies, changes in consumer preferences, and tightening governmental regulations on environmental sustainability. We explore the sustainability initiatives currently shaping the print industry and examines the likely evolution of relevant legislation in the future.

Sustainability Initiatives

To respond to environmental concerns, the print industry has increasingly embraced sustainability. This movement has been driven not only by regulatory pressures but also by changing market demands and technological innovations. Some key areas of development include:

  • Adoption of environmentally friendly printing processes

Digital printing, which is inherently more eco-friendly than traditional offset printing, minimises waste by eliminating the need for large print runs and reducing the overproduction of materials. Additionally, the precision of digital printing leads to less ink waste and lower energy consumption overall.

  • Sustainable paper sourcing

The shift toward using recycled paper and FSC-certified paper has been a significant part of the industry’s sustainability efforts. FSC certification ensures that the paper used in production is sourced from responsibly managed forests that adhere to environmental, social, and economic standards. This certification has become an important tool in mitigating deforestation, promoting biodiversity, and supporting the rights of indigenous populations in forested regions. Recycling paper has also reduced the reliance on virgin pulp, which helps reduce energy consumption and water use in the paper manufacturing process. Additionally, by using post-consumer recycled content, the industry can reduce the waste associated with paper products that would otherwise end up in landfills.

  • Sustainable printing materials

The rise of biodegradable substrates in the print industry is a promising development. Materials like biodegradable plastics, which can be used in packaging and promotional products, reduce the long-term environmental impact of print products by breaking down more quickly in the environment.

Industry Insight

CarbonQuota was born from a relentless pursuit of precise carbon data, after the company founders discovered a reliable carbon calculator, that wasn’t based on government published averages, spend data, false assumptions, or even out of date was not easily available.

What was born from this revelation is now a deep sector understanding and expertise of carbon emissions, procurement, and supply chains. Set-up to help businesses – from SMEs to large corporates – to accurately calculate, analyse, reduce and track carbon emissions across their products, supply chains and operations, CarbonQuota now have the world’s largest independent database of carbon emissions in the sector and the most granular carbon calculation engine.

Partnering with industry leading brands, its software and platforms can seamlessly blend a carbon calculator into most businesses existing MIS systems, enabling users to measure, track and report each step of their carbon footprint on every quote!

With more and more tenders requiring reliable carbon footprint data, having software like this will not only benefit your business, but also the planet – win win!

  • Waste reduction and recycling

Reducing waste and increasing recycling rates has become a cornerstone of sustainability. Printers are implementing practices that reduce offcuts and overproduction, aided by advancements in on-demand printing technology.

Closed-loop recycling systems are also being adopted by many companies. Waste materials generated during production, such as offcuts and unused ink, are collected and reused within the production process, creating a circular economy that minimizes waste output.

  • Anticipated future legislation on print sustainability

While voluntary efforts and industry driven sustainability initiatives are important, governmental regulation and legislation will play an essential role in shaping the future of the print industry’s sustainability trajectory. Various environmental policies are already in place, and more are expected to emerge in response to global environmental awareness.

Legislation around carbon emissions and pollution is likely to become more stringent in the future, as nations work toward their commitments to international climate agreements. Regulations on emissions from both paper manufacturing and printing processes will become stricter, with requirements for printers to use low energy technologies, renewable energy sources, or carbon offsets.

In particular, VOC emissions from traditional inks may come under more scrutiny. New laws could require printing companies to switch to low VOC or VOC-free ink formulations to reduce air pollution.

  • Circular economy legislation

The concept of a circular economy, which focuses on reducing waste and reusing materials, is likely to influence future printing industry regulations. Governments are already implementing policies that promote recycling, and this trend is expected to continue. For example, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan outlines legislative measures aimed at ensuring products are designed to be recycled or reused. Future regulations may require companies to demonstrate that their products, including packaging and printed materials, are recyclable or made from recycled content.

Programs may also be expanded to include things like extended producer responsibility. Under these frameworks, manufacturers and printers could be required to take back printed materials at the end of their life cycle, ensuring that they are properly recycled or disposed of. Such initiatives would increase the accountability of printers for the full life cycle of their products.

Industry Insight

TECHNOTRANS: DIGITAL PRINTING OF THE FUTURE WITH INNOVATIVE COOLING SOLUTIONS At the drupa trade fair, technotrans showcased its advanced cooling and temperature control solutions for digital printing, emphasising energy efficiency, process stability and machine performance. The company offers a wide range of thermal management systems, from compact units with a cooling capacity of 50 watts to high performance systems exceeding 50,000 watts. These solutions, powered by natural refrigerants and high-density energy components, help users lower their CO2 footprint while maintaining economic efficiency and flexibility.

‘The demands on thermal management grow as digital printing machines become more powerful,’ explains Peter Böcker, head of the print division at technotrans. ‘Our cooling systems ensure consistent thermal conditions, essential for maintaining long-term quality.’

A standout at drupa was the ECOtec.chiller xtend, which uses natural refrigerant R290. It operates energy-efficiently with power-regulated drives, reducing refrigerant use by up to 60%, while delivering 60 kilowatts of energy per square meter. Its modular design allows customisation to match different printing machines.

technotrans also offers the miko, a compact cooling unit with high power density and precise temperature control, making it ideal for digital printing. technotrans’ service network ensures system reliability through quick response times, readily available spare parts, and sustainable digital solutions.

  • Waste and packaging regulations

In many countries, regulations around single-use plastics and non-recyclable packaging are already tightening. This is likely to extend to print, especially in sectors like direct mail marketing and packaging. Governments may impose bans or taxes on non-recyclable printed materials, such as plastic laminated brochures or packaging with excessive amounts of ink or other non-recyclable substances.

The EU’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive sets further targets for reducing packaging waste and increasing the recycling of printed packaging materials.

The print industry is at a critical juncture in its sustainability journey. While significant progress has been made, the sector still faces challenges in reducing its environmental impact. The continued adoption of eco-friendly printing technologies, sustainable paper sourcing, and the use of non-toxic inks will play an important role in the industry’s future. However, legislation will be a crucial driver of widespread change, as governments enact stricter regulations on emissions, waste, and resource use to meet global sustainability goals.

Looking ahead, printers that proactively embrace sustainable practices and stay ahead of regulatory changes will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market. By doing so, the print industry can contribute meaningfully to global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect the environment.

Industry Insight

ISABELLE DE WOLF, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AT HELLOPRINT TALK TO DIGITAL PRINTER.

  • Isabelle, why is sustainability so important to HelloPrint?

Sustainability is core to our mission. As a major player in the European print industry, we have a responsibility to minimise our environmental impact. Our B Corp certification reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, bene ting both the planet and our customers.

  • What led HelloPrint to pursue B Corp certification?

We wanted to integrate sustainability into every part of our business. B Corp provides a structured framework to measure and improve our social and environmental impact, ensuring accountability and transparency across all areas — from supply chain practices to material choices.

  • What changes did HelloPrint make to meet B Corp standards?

We expanded our product range to include recycled, renewable, and bio-sourced materials, making them the default option for customers. We also assess suppliers for their environmental and social impact. Internally, we improved employee well-being, introduced diversity initiatives and elevated our support for non-profits.

  • What are HelloPrint’s long-term sustainability goals?

Our goal is to make recycled, renewable, or bio-sourced materials the industry standard. We want to drive innovation in sustainable materials and encourage our customers and peers to adopt these practices.

  • How does HelloPrint see its role in transforming the print industry?

We aim to show that sustainable solutions are scalable, influencing the entire industry through better choices in materials and logistics.

  • What advice would you give to companies looking to become more sustainable?

Start small, think big, and work with like-minded partners. Transparency and accountability, through certifications like B Corp, are key. Sustainable practices bene t both the environment and business.

This feature article was first published in the October/November issue of Digital Printer, which you can read online here; register here to receive future issues of the magazine.