Widthwise 2025


more likely. Industries whatever their shape, size or focus can all play their part in helping to reverse the impact already caused, and the wide-format print sector is no exception. Te subject of sustainable practices and


waste management was raised quite a few times by our survey respondents when they were asked for their thoughts on the current state of the industry – and overall, not in a positive light. One PSP said: “I feel the race to net zero


and ESG could have a negative impact on the industry. Te motive to create eco-friendly prints should be more than a box ticking exercise. Some customers want the end product to appear eco-friendly but aren’t really interested in whether it is.” Another commented: “As the quality of


inks have dropped there is greater reliance on laminating. Tis increases the amount of waste that is generated and seems to be


counterproductive.” While a third said: “Sustainability in


terms of waste management for textiles that are printed has a long journey to go.” But where exactly does being


environmentally-friendly rank in terms of importance for the industry and its customers? When asked how important it was


for them to be seen as environmentally- friendly, 58% of respondents said it was either very important or important. While only 12% said it was not very important. Tis is reassuring as it demonstrates a willingness from PSPs to be environmentally-friendly, but they still face roadblocks along the way. One of those roadblocks appears to be


the end-user. Although printers are keen to practice environmental procedures and use sustainable products, it seems the customer doesn’t always care where or how their


print is produced. More than three-quarters of PSPs reported


that less than 25% of their customers ask for their environmental credentials or procedures. Tis is reflected elsewhere in the report when PSPs were asked to rate their clients’ main priorities. Sustainability ranked bottom with a measly 15%. Unsurprisingly, price ranked highest with 65% of printers saying this was their clients’ main priority. In today’s business world where every penny counts, it is easy to understand why. A breakdown in communication along


the supply chain could explain the lack of uptake in the use of sustainable practices, inks and media. Or perhaps ultimately price will always come out triumphant in the decision-making process, causing a race to the bottom for PSPs as they fight for work. Whatever the reason, it seems currently the wide-format print sector as a whole could be doing more in this area.


What, if any, is your company’s main priority towards sustainability?


Reduce/ recycle in-house waste Reduce carbon footprint


Use recycled/ recyclable materials


Provide a print waste recycling scheme for customers Reduce energy consumption


Upsell end print solutions that are recyclable Work towards achieving environment credentials


Use of in-house renewable energy resources (i.e. solar panels) None


9% 7%


6% 6%


5% 13% 28% 16% 10%


What, if any, category is your company currently practising?


Reduce/ recycle in-house waste Reduce carbon footprint


Use recycled/ recyclable materials


Use of in-house renewable energy resources (i.e. solar panels) Provide a print waste recycling scheme for customers Upsell end print solutions that are recyclable Reduce energy consumption


Work towards achieving environment credentials None


8% 4%


3% 3%


9% 33%


14% 14%


12%


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