The print industry is changing faster than most buyers realise. Here are the sustainable print developments worth watching.
The print industry is in a period of genuine transformation. Here are the trends shaping sustainable print this year.
1. Plastic lamination alternatives going mainstream
Aqueous and UV-cured varnishes that mimic plastic lamination without the recyclability problem are becoming widely available at competitive prices.
2. Shorter run economics improving
Digital printing technology continues to improve in cost-effectiveness at short runs. The minimum viable quantity for quality print is falling — making it easier to print exactly what you need.
3. Recycled stock quality improving
The quality gap between recycled and virgin paper stocks has narrowed significantly. Recycled stocks with brightness levels unachievable five years ago are now commercially available.
4. Carbon labelling arriving
Print suppliers are beginning to calculate and display the carbon footprint of individual print jobs — similar to nutritional labels on food packaging.
5. Local supply chains strengthening
Post-pandemic supply chain disruption combined with growing environmental awareness is driving a shift back toward local and regional UK print suppliers. Expect this trend to continue.
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