Environment
MORE THAN A MARKET-DRIVEN TREND
PSPS CAN NO LONGER OVERLOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY, AND IN PARTICULAR CARBON NEUTRALITY THROUGHOUT THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES. IR MANAGING EDITOR, MELANIE ATTLESEY, SPEAKS TO FIVE MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS TO FIND OUT WHAT THIS INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT FACTOR MEANS FOR THEIR BUSINESS AND FOR YOU.
As customer expectations increase, becoming a carbon neutral business is something that can no longer be ignored. It’s not just a market-driven trend, in some instances
it’s becoming a must-have because of regulations as well. Carbon reduction and carbon neutrality now sit at the heart of becoming a more sustainable business. But where does its importance really lie for the wide-format print industry?
The results of our recent Widthwise Survey suggest that for the average business owner, it’s not really of concern. Only 16% of respondents said that reducing their carbon footprint was their main priority towards sustainability. However, in contraditcion to this result, all five of the manufacturers and suppliers who voiced their thoughts on this matter agreed they feel it is rising in importance.
TIPS FOR BECOMING MORE CARBON NEUTRAL
LEADING NAMES IN THE WIDE-FORMAT PRINT INDUSTRY DELIVER THEIR ADVICE FOR BECOMING MORE CARBON NEUTRAL IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS.
“The first step for a PSP is to measure emissions across their operations so they know where improvements can be made. From there, they can invest in more efficient presses and devices, make more sustainable choices when it comes to media and consumables, and adopt workflow software to reduce errors and waste. Maintaining equipment properly and considering refurbished or upgradable hardware extends lifespan and reduces resource use. Optimising logistics, switching to
Duncan Smith
renewable energy where possible and recycling paper and packaging are all practical steps that make
a difference. For emissions that cannot yet be avoided, supporting certified climate projects ensures accountability. Transparency with customers about this journey builds trust and strengthens relationships.” - Duncan Smith, country director, production at Canon UK and Ireland
24 | October/November 2025 Jessica Shorten Hood
“Take a pragmatic approach and focus on what you can directly influence. Look carefully at the environmental performance of your printers and substrates, including recyclability and sustainable sourcing. Adopt print on-demand models to avoid overproduction and overseas reliance, which carry added emissions, ethical risks, and the potential for waste through excess inventory
and quality issues. Every small step counts toward meaningful progress in sustainability goals.” - Jessica Shorten Hood, product manager C&I, Epson UK
“Start with your own operations, not with offsets. Use tools like the HP Sustainability Amplifier to know where you stand and what to tackle first. Then reduce waste and reprints, choose more sustainable media and inks, and extend the life of equipment. Share your progress openly with customers. Don’t hesitate to highlight even the small steps, as it’s crucial to demonstrate your commitment from the beginning. Transparency and showing your initial efforts can create a
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