Sustainability has become a business imperative. Print service providers are increasingly expected to minimize their environmental impact while meeting the evolving demands of their clients.
This means re-evaluating every stage of the printing process — from sourcing sustainable materials to optimizing energy consumption and minimizing waste. But navigating the complexities of building a truly sustainable printing operation can feel overwhelming.
To help demystify the path to sustainable printing, we spoke with Mark Hinder, Head of Business Development at Ricoh Europe. Mark brings over 30 years of experience in the printing industry and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing print service providers today. He’s passionate about helping businesses integrate sustainable practices in a way that makes sense for their operations and their bottom line.
“It’s essential now that all printing companies take a serious look at environmental, social and governance (ESG), put together an ESG plan, and make sure that they’re approaching it in a way where essentially their impact can be not only reduced but measured,” he explains.
In this insightful conversation, Mark discusses:
- The critical role of automation and workflow optimization in reducing environmental impact.
- Practical strategies for sourcing sustainable materials and engaging with responsible paper merchants.
- Real-world examples of printing companies successfully implementing sustainable practices and achieving cost savings.
Join us as we delve into Mark’s expert insights and explore actionable strategies for building a more sustainable and profitable printing business.
The Evolving Print Industry and the Need for Sustainable Practices
The printing industry, like many sectors, is experiencing a global push for more sustainable practices. This shift is driven in part by new regulations, particularly in Europe, that are raising the bar for environmental accountability.
New rules will kick in in January 2025 when certain companies will be required “to report their activities around ESG and especially around carbon emissions and stuff like that to achieve net-zero,” explains Mark.
However, this movement extends beyond simply complying with regulations. Consumers are increasingly seeking out brands and businesses that align with their values, and they’re willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and services.
This growing consumer consciousness has a significant impact on the printing industry. As Mark points out, the push for sustainability now affects the entire printing supply chain: “It doesn’t just affect the larger organizations. It affects the whole supply chain because if you look at it from a printing industry, our customers are actually supplying goods and services to companies that may fall into that category of actually reporting.”
An Inside Look at Sustainable Printing Solutions
One of the first steps towards building a more sustainable printing business is separating fact from fiction. For example, a common myth is that paper production contributes to deforestation. However, responsible forestry practices, which include replanting initiatives and a focus on sustainable sources, have played a crucial role in minimizing the industry’s impact.
Another misconception is that digital printing is always the more sustainable choice. While digital printing can offer significant advantages, especially for shorter runs and reduced waste, the reality is more nuanced. Responsible offset printing practices still have a place in the industry, and the key lies in understanding the most sustainable approach for a specific job.
The Digital Advantage
In many cases, digital printing does offer a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional offset printing. Offset printing often involves a more energy-intensive process, utilizing solvents, aluminum plates, and chemicals. Digital printing streamlines production, reduces material waste, and often requires less energy.
Mark highlights the example of book printing: “If you then compare that to, say, digital, where the whole book can be automatically set up using a hot folder, you can take the job from ecommerce directly into a hot folder. It can be preflighted; it can be completely set up and imposed, batched-ready for printing and then on to a continuous feed printer. The amount of CO2 emissions can be reduced quite substantially.”
Optimizing the Entire Workflow
While technology choices play a role, Mark emphasizes that a truly sustainable printing business requires optimizing the entire workflow, from start to finish. This means evaluating every stage of the printing process for potential improvements.
Mark provides a framework for approaching this process: “What’s encouraged me are those customers and customer groups who take it seriously … It’s about understanding legislation, how legislation is going to then impact on what they do in the removal of single-use plastics, making sure that, for instance, supply chains are optimized so you’re reducing the transportation impact.”
This holistic perspective includes:
- Material sourcing: Partnering with paper merchants who prioritize responsible forestry and sustainable practices.
- Production processes: Minimizing waste by streamlining workflows, automating tasks, and eliminating unnecessary steps.
- Supply chain: Optimizing logistics and transportation to reduce the overall carbon footprint.
How Businesses Are Achieving Cost Savings and Sustainability Goals
The shift towards sustainable printing is gaining momentum across the industry. Print service providers are finding innovative ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into their operations while simultaneously realizing cost savings and enhancing their brand reputation.
One compelling example is Green Gift Cards, a company that has made sustainability a core of its identity. They recognized the environmental impact of traditional plastic gift cards and saw an opportunity to offer a more sustainable alternative. By partnering with Ricoh and leveraging paper-based solutions, they’ve successfully transitioned to a product that aligns with their values and resonates with environmentally conscious consumers.
Mark also highlights other printing companies who have implemented sustainability initiatives. As Mark explains, “We’ve got customers who trade off of being green and sustainable. So their whole branding, their whole messaging is around that to attract certain types of clients who perhaps only want to deal with a company whose mindset and business plan is focused around sustainability.”
For instance, an Italian direct mail company has made sustainable paper sourcing and production a key differentiator, attracting clients who share their values. Similarly, a Dutch printing company actively promotes its sustainability efforts, demonstrating transparency and building trust with clients who prioritize ethical business practices.
These real-world examples demonstrate that integrating sustainability into a printing business can be a driver of both ethical and commercial success.
Trends Shaping the Future of Sustainable Print
The journey towards sustainable printing is an ongoing one, with new innovations and strategies constantly emerging. As the industry evolves, it’s essential for print service providers to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the trends that will shape the future of sustainable print.
One significant trend Mark predicts is the rise of sustainability as a marketing differentiator. “Sustainability is going to become a marketing tool to attract customers,” he states. “So those companies that perhaps have a policy or will only work with sustainable print companies and who can demonstrate that they have a very serious attitude towards sustainability. That can create business opportunities.”
As sustainability becomes a core value for more businesses and consumers, printing companies that can clearly articulate their commitment to eco-friendly practices will have a competitive edge.
Mark also foresees a future where transparency around environmental impact becomes increasingly important. He predicts, “You’re not going to start to see that on invoicing. So you’re going to see this book produced X number of kilograms to produce. And you’re going to see it on logistics. So, I think now, sustainability is going to become a marketing tool to attract customers.”
This increased transparency will likely extend throughout the entire supply chain. Printing companies will need to be prepared to provide detailed information about the environmental impact of their processes, materials, and transportation methods.
The future of sustainable printing is bright, but it requires ongoing commitment and a proactive approach to embracing new technologies, strategies, and ways of thinking.
Sustainable Printing: A Win for Your Business and the Planet
As Mark’s insights demonstrate, the printing industry is embracing sustainability not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation. By taking a proactive approach to environmental responsibility, printing companies can reduce their impact on the planet while simultaneously enhancing their operational efficiency and brand reputation.
Ricoh, through its commitment to sustainable printing solutions and expertise, is a valuable partner for businesses seeking to navigate this evolving landscape. By providing technologies like digital presses with advanced automation capabilities, offering guidance on sustainable paper sourcing, and advocating for holistic workflow optimization, Ricoh empowers print service providers to build a more sustainable and profitable future.
Ready to meet your ESG goals? Contact Ricoh today to explore our range of sustainable printing solutions and discover how we can help you achieve your environmental and business goals.
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