Less waste, more impact: how Print.com embraces sustainability
At Print.com, we see waste as a chance to create something better. That’s why we recycle our production scraps—and we need our customers to do their part too! By refining our production processes, using materials wisely, and giving waste a second life, we’re taking big steps toward a circular economy and a greener future.
Here’s how we make it happen:
Sustainable materials and recycling
Paper is our biggest product category – and the good news? It’s largely recyclable, but it doesn’t stop there. We recycle plastics, textiles, and metals and reuse materials wherever possible. Did you know that around 75% of paper in Europe is recycled, and for packaging, this goes up to 82%? (Source: CEPI)
Waste is tomorrow’s raw material. Whether it’s paper, cardboard, plastic, or pallets, we sort and recycle it all throughout our operations. By doing this, we keep waste out of landfills and contribute to a more sustainable flow of materials.
At our production facility, recycling is second nature. Those sheets of paper used between printing plates? We repurpose them as packing material for orders. Extra paper scraps? They get a new life as recycled paper. Thanks to our collaboration with responsible recycling pro’s. We use mostly waterbased inks with minimal solvents and opt for fully recyclable packaging, because every detail counts.
Waste is just raw materials in the wrong place
In our production hall, we have two large Komori offset presses for printing high volumes of items like business cards, magazines, and flyers. Each press has 8 towers, allowing us to print full-colour double-sided jobs. Each tower needs a plate with colour info, made in our CtP process.
These plates are made of 6 layers, with a strong aluminium base. Every year, we send around 100,000 kilos of aluminium plates for recycling, which takes only 5% of the energy needed to extract aluminium from bauxite.
Collaboration for a waste-free future
Sustainability is a team effort. That’s why we love to partner with suppliers who share our green spirit. We train our crew to make smart choices with materials and recycle paper, ink cartridges, and packaging wherever we can and our customer service team also shares this knowledge with our customers. Together with our customers and partners, we’re shaping a future where waste is a thing of the past.
Efficient Production
Less waste starts with smart choices. Our file checkers and advanced software help us avoid unnecessary reprints and save valuable resources. By optimising print layouts and combining orders we reduce material waste significantly and at the same time boost production efficiency; a win-win. An advanced automated packaging system creates custom-sized boxes, eliminating the need for excess filler materials and reducing waste. This efficient packaging method saves 63,500 meters of plastic air cushions. Plus, our packaging is not just safe and sturdy but also fully recyclable.
Circular economy
Turning old into gold, we encourage our customers to return used materials, especially large-format plastic signage, through closed-loop circular programs. This way, old materials are transformed into new products, while cutting down waste, and reducing the need for virgin materials. A high-five for the planet! Recycling resources helps the EU secure raw materials, cut CO₂, support communities, and drive sustainable growth. Letting the domino effect ripple across the planet!
Recycle or repurpose
When we produce signs and print materials, we use a lot of pallets! We sort them into two types: Europallets and non-Europallets.
Europallets
These pallets are part of a smart exchange system. When a supplier delivers full Europallets, they take the empty ones back – super effective and sustainable! All Europallets are stamped with the EPAL mark, meaning they meet the official standards.
Non-Europallets
We sometimes receive other types of pallets, but not all can be reused. That’s where PIT59 comes in! They collect our non-Euro pallets and transform them into incredible products—all while supporting people with brain injuries. A win-win for everyone!
Setting course for a greener destination
At Print.com, reducing waste isn’t just a goal, it’s part of our journey. By staying committed to sustainability, we’re paving the way for a world where nothing goes to waste and every choice counts toward a brighter, cleaner future.