Digital Printing
Digital print, smarter production and the circular economy
By Andrew Whyte, managing director, LT Print Group A
s sustainability moves from a marketing buzzword to a measurable business goal, converters are under increasing pressure to rethink how and how much they produce. The shift from linear ‘make–use–discard’ models to circular production demands effi ciency, adaptability and accountability at every stage.
Digital print technology is proving to be one of the most eff ective enablers of this change. It enables converters to reduce waste, improve responsiveness and deliver shorter, smarter print runs that align perfectly with the principles of the circular economy.
REDUCING WASTE THROUGH ON-DEMAND PRODUCTION
Traditional converting workfl ows were built for volume. Longer runs meant lower costs per unit but also led to overproduction, obsolete stock and excess waste. Digital printing turns that model on its head.
With no plates or setup waste, converters can print exactly what’s needed, whether that’s short-run cartons, variable labels, or seasonal point-of-sale. This fl exibility cuts raw material use, limits unsold inventory, and helps brands adapt their messaging quickly without unnecessary reprints. We’ve seen this in practice across sectors from education to brewing, where on-demand production reduces obsolescence and keeps materials relevant week by week.
SMARTER SCHEDULING AND SMALLER FOOTPRINTS
Sustainability in converting is as much about process as it is about product. Digital workfl ows streamline scheduling, enabling leaner production and reduced press downtime. This means less energy use and fewer emissions per job. Modern digital presses also offer improved toner efficiency and recyclable consumables. When paired with automated workflow systems, converters can batch jobs intelligently and operate with minimal waste. All this helps deliver a smaller footprint, both environmental and operational, while still maintaining premium quality and fast delivery. For converters, agility now equals sustainability.
LOCALISED, DATA-DRIVEN PRODUCTION A circular economy isn’t just about materials cycling through reuse and recycling, it’s about producing closer to where products are consumed. Digital print empowers converters to serve local markets effi ciently, reducing the need for long-distance logistics and their associated emissions. It also opens the door to data-driven manufacturing, where print quantities, graphics and messaging can be tailored to specifi c audiences or regions. Variable data printing (VDP) means converters can produce packaging and labels that feel personalised without infl ating production volumes. Fewer, more relevant items mean less waste and higher engagement, a win for converters, brands and the environment alike.
CERTIFICATIONS AND CREDIBILITY MATTER Converters who want to build lasting sustainability credentials need more than technology, they need proof. Certifi cation frameworks like ISO 14001 and FSC Chain of Custody ensure that environmental claims are backed by measurable action. These accreditations form the backbone of our sustainability strategy at LT Print Group. Every sheet we print can be traced to responsibly managed forests, while our environmental management systems track and minimise our operational impact.
For converters, combining digital agility with
certifi ed supply chains builds trust, not only with customers, but across the value chain.
BALANCING SPEED, QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
There’s still a perception that sustainable printing or converting means slower turnaround or reduced quality. In reality, today’s digital technology delivers colour consistency, durability and fi nish quality that rivals litho.
It’s not about replacing traditional methods but about combining them strategically. Litho and fl exo still dominate large-scale production, but digital brings the fl exibility needed for short runs, market testing, or variable content. This hybrid approach allows converters to align productivity with sustainability, printing smarter, not simply less.
A CIRCULAR MINDSET FOR CONVERTERS For converters, the circular economy represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is reducing waste and proving environmental credibility. The opportunity lies in using technology to deliver more effi cient, localised and data-driven production. Digital printing is central to that shift. By embracing shorter runs, certifi ed materials and connected workfl ows, converters can reduce environmental impact while strengthening commercial resilience.
In our experience, sustainability doesn’t mean slowing down. Rather, it means moving forward with purpose.
28
November 2025
www.convertermag.com
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