It’s well known that to some, free means worthless. Perhaps that’s why UK large-format PSPs are proving slow to take up some environmental schemes offered free of charge. Jane Rixon, business development manager at HP large format production UK and Ireland, explores the issue and calls for more active participation.
As the world’s desire for sustainability grows to help combat climate change, commercial printing professionals are proactively looking to explore ways to embed sustainable and regenerative practices into their designs, processes, and services. That said, making the large-format print sector more sustainable will be one of the most ambitious transformations the industry has ever undertaken. There are many existing green initiatives that can help bolster a company’s environmental credentials, but they are still being underutilised.
For large-format printing companies, creating a truly sustainable business is both a social good and an economic opportunity, which can drive cost efficiencies, stimulate the development of circular services, and win business from eco-conscious brands. That’s not just my say so - there’s a lot to be learned from those that have already seen that’s the case.
Take East Yorkshire-based Greens the Signmakers, which recently invested in a HP Latex R2000 printer to expand into new markets and boost its environmental credentials. The new machine has helped the business significantly enhance its environmental USPs, off the back of demand for solutions from customers proactively looking to explore ways to embed sustainable and environmentally friendly practices into their designs, processes, and services.
Managing director Lawrence Green is the third generation of the family to lead the business. Inspired by Charlotte, his eight-year-old daughter, Green sought out ways for the company to grow while improving its environmental credentials at the same time. A key part of his strategy for 2022 was to invest in new technology that enables the business to become more environmentally friendly.
It also makes use of the HP Media Locator. One of the most obvious environmental challenges facing large-format PSPs is to find greener alternatives to materials such as PVC, and this directory lists well over 50 media that have been identified as an eco-conscious to help in this mission.
Now, when receiving an inbound request for a project, Greens the Signmakers has adopted a new approach to customer service - it sends the customer two quotes, one offering them the chance to have their project designed with sustainability in mind via the use of more eco-friendly materials for instance.
Make it easy on yourself
As a leader of a large-format PSP you may still be wondering where to start your company’s environmental transformation given so many are rather cynical about what is said and done in the name of sustainability. The most effective way of countering the cynicism is to be completely transparent about - and to share hard evidence of - your changing practices.
It’s important to start small with simple initiatives that might be deemed as ‘low-hanging fruit’ but that often have a big impact.
Schemes like HP Planet Partners can help make the world a greener place through initiatives including its ‘Return and Recycle’ programme, which allows for the simple recycling of HP printer supplies, any brand of computer hardware and rechargeable batteries. HP customers can either order postage-paid envelopes or labels to return their cartridges by post or have the box collected from their premises when full. This free of charge return and recycle scheme was responsible for over 764,800 tonnes of recycled hardware and supplies throughout last year, so using it really does make a substantial difference.
It’s worth reiterating the importance of transparency. Many companies claim to have a ‘take back’ policy, but where are products being taken to? If there’s no transparency, no data, and no proof, then there is no trust.
To date, HP has recycled more than 875m cartridges and eco cartons since the initiative launched in 1992, yet it remains underutilised by many of its print partners. Currently, only half of HP’s UK customers are enrolled on its Planet Partners scheme, though using it is one sure-fire way for a PSP to reduce its potential plastic waste.
Sign up to ink and toner cartridge recycling schemes
Like any ambitious company programme, creating a truly environmentally sustainable large-format print business inevitably brings challenges. When momentum has slowed, unexpected obstacles emerge and new regulations bring plans into question, it pays to remember why you are doing this - it is good for the planet, good for your conscience, and good for business.
With that in mind, and in the knowledge that there are underused environmental enhancing schemes already in existence out there, I am calling on all commercial printing businesses to sign up for ink and toner cartridge recycling programmes. It’s a small, but effective move that means old cartridges can become new products and don’t end up in oceans or landfills. An easy way for companies to reduce their environmental impact.