By Melissa Donovan
The August issue of Digital Output includes our annual state of the industry article, which includes commentary from leading vendors about the graphic arts over the last 12 months. Trends, the future, and much more are discussed.
One hot topic is sustainability. All parties in the graphic arts are focusing efforts on recyclability, circular economics, and reusability.
“Today there is more demand from big to small companies needing and requesting sustainable options. This stems from corporate goals around sustainability and will continue to be a trend in the market throughout the rest of the year and into the next as the deadline for a sustainable future approaches,” admits Amanda Smith, marketing and communication manager, Mactac.
Driving sustainability and the demand for circularity are “globalization, climate change crisis, and changing consumer behaviors and preferences. Sustainability is becoming woven into every business process and products, and includes the health and well being of people,” shares Jodi Sawyer, strategic business unit manager – retail, FLEXcon Company, Inc.
“Whether it is consumer demand, growing investor or regulatory pressure, or long-term planning and risk mitigation, more companies are prioritizing innovation that will have a positive impact on people and the planet. Corporations and consumers are aware of the importance of a sustainable economy and want to play a part in continuing to develop one. Efforts like recyclability and a circular economy are very obvious and tangible ways to aid in creating a sustainable future, reducing waste, conserving resources, and even creating new business opportunities,” adds Cassandra Yu, market segment development manager – architecture and retail, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.
Where to See It
Sustainability appears in the print industry in multiple ways. Two of note—by operating lower energy printers and in the type of substrates being produced. “Focusing on sustainability is simply the right thing to do, and as we face more pressure on higher energy costs the economics of operating low-energy consumption printers has more financial benefit that in years past. Material producers offer a much wider array of sustainable substrates than ever before—that also print beautifully,” shares Erik Norman, president, swissQprint America.
Energy use is an important factor in how PSPs can become more sustainable. “Sustainability can lower energy costs, overhead expenses, and most importantly assist in preserving our planet. As consumers shift their focus towards more eco-friendly options, businesses are encouraged to create more sustainable processes and products,” advises David Stevens, technical development manager, Trotec Laser Inc.
Software solutions also play a role. “Allowing customers to place their software in the cloud focuses on sustainability and reduced emissions,” explains David Graves, sales and marketing manager, Aleyant.
In terms of materials, Danny Jimenez, senior print media sales consultant, TVF, continues to experience interest from customers for sustainable products and production practices. This includes textiles that are printable and made from yarns extruded from recycled plastic. “The print results are vibrant and customers feel good about using a material that’s had a previous life.”
The same can be said for non-PVC considerations. “Some brands are setting goals to move away from vinyl because it is viewed as ‘toxic.’ There is increased demand for non-vinyl products as well as those with increased post-consumer recycled content. Non-PVC films—while a smaller overall share of film types used in graphics—have the highest projected growth according to industry sources,” adds Sawyer.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is an example of a non-PVC product. “A type of clear, strong, lightweight, and 100 percent recyclable plastic, PET products are used in wallcoverings, wallpapers, canvas, banners, and calendered films for short- to medium-term applications,” says Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
Consumables like ink are part of the sustainable movement. “Environmentally friendly ink that is Greenguard certified is helpful for going into sensitive environments. This will continue to be a big deal moving forward especially as large corporations and governments demand it,” foresees Brian Phipps, president/GM, Mutoh America, Inc.
Customer Focus
Kevin Duffy, VP, sales and marketing, Vycom, is encouraged by the number of people in sign and graphics that “are actively seeking out sustainable solutions in materials or substrates. They’re examining and evaluating their material choices to ensure they are sustainable in several ways—first, in performance and fitness for use—selecting the right material for the application; and second, in sustainability—can the material be kept from ending up in a landfill at end of use?”
“Customers are bringing us more sustainable products. With continual increases in tax incentives, subsidies, and policies toward eco-friendly materials, the demand for new and better production methods will only increase exponentially,” says Josh Martinez, account manager, X-Edge Products.
Continuing Conversation
Sustainability touches all of aspects of the graphics arts from the materials and print processes and further downstream when the media is disposed of. It’s an important topic, and one Digital Output continues to cover.
Aug2023, Digital Output
