Why Sustainability Matters in the Print Industry

Sustainability has become one of the most important conversations in the print and display sector. As an industry that relies on substrates, inks and energy, every decision made has a meaningful effect on the environment. More brands, agencies and retailers are now exploring how they can reduce waste, lower emissions and choose more responsible materials without sacrificing visual quality or performance.

This shift does not replace traditional print materials, which remain essential for many applications, but it does expand the range of choices available. By offering sustainable alternatives alongside established solutions, the industry can respond to customer expectations with more flexibility, allowing sign makers and print shops to choose the material that suit each project best, whether the priority is durability, cost, performance or sustainability.

The Changing Expectations in Print

Consumers today are placing more emphasis on recyclability, responsible sourcing and carbon impact. These expectations encourage suppliers and manufacturers to innovate and to develop substrates made from renewable raw materials or containing recycled content. Rather than competing with existing options, sustainable materials complement the wider product portfolio and create new opportunities for environmentally conscious campaigns.

Sustainable Substrate Options Supporting a More Responsible Future

A number of materials now offer strong environmental credentials while maintaining excellent print performance. Here are a few of our most popular eco-friendly alternatives that our customers love:

DISPA from 3A Composites is produced entirely from FSC certified paper and uses renewable raw materials. This gives customers a fully recyclable substrate that is well suited for short and medium term indoor campaigns. Because it is paper based, DISPA offers a naturally lower carbon footprint and can be easily returned to established recycling streams.

Swedboard is a highly versatile structured board that performs exceptionally well in retail, exhibition and POS environments. It is fully recyclable and available in FSC certified options. Its rigidity, lightweight construction and excellent print surface make it a strong choice for impactful creative work.

SINTREX from 3A Composites introduces a new generation of lightweight rigid PET sheet. It offers durability, reliable print results and excellent fire ratings, all while providing an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional rigid plastics.

Polyline Pro provides a polypropylene based solution that avoids PVC entirely. It is recyclable, lightweight and suitable for a wide range of graphic applications. For customers looking for a durable but more environmentally conscious material, it offers a strong balance of performance and sustainability. Available in sheets and rolls.

XL Display Board is a paper based option that supports a more responsible approach to print. It is recyclable, easy to work with and a popular choice for indoor signage and display graphics. XL Display board also offers options for outdoor signage with XL elements making this a versatile brand for everyday print and signage.

Correx and other polypropylene boards remain trusted staples in temporary signage and construction related applications. When recycled through the correct PP channels, they also contribute positively to reducing waste.

Its innovative products like these that continue to provide reliable performance while allowing customers to make responsible choices when recycling is available. Together, these options ensure that print providers can align materials with the specific needs of each job, giving them freedom to consider sustainability alongside strength, cost and quality.

Sustainable Innovation from Trusted Manufacturers: Understanding 3A’s FIVE-DOT-MISSION

Suppliers and manufacturers play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable print. 3A Composites is one of the most forward-thinking contributors in this space, consistently developing materials that respond to market needs while supporting responsible design practices.

Their FIVE-DOT-MISSION is a classification system that evaluates sustainability across five key areas:

• Biobased Content
DISPA is produced using FSC certified paper sourced from responsibly managed forests or other verified controlled sources. The use of renewable raw materials ensures responsible procurement.

• Recycled Content
Products such as DISPAre incorporate FSC certified recycled paper in both the core and outer layers, supporting a circular flow of fibre materials.

• CO₂ Footprint
Because DISPA is made entirely from paper, the material naturally carries a low carbon footprint compared to products that rely on plastics or mixed components.

• Product Life Cycle
DISPA is designed for short to medium term indoor applications, making it a responsible and efficient choice for seasonal campaigns and temporary signage.

• Recyclability
All DISPA products can be easily returned to established waste-paper recycling streams, ensuring that used material can be reprocessed into new recycled paper within a closed-loop system.

This mission demonstrates how manufacturers can combine innovation with environmental responsibility, ensuring sustainability is considered at every stage of design and production.

Creativity, Innovation and Sustainability in Action

Sustainable materials are at their most impressive when they are brought to life through real projects. Two of our customers, Data Image and Digital Wordcrafts, recently demonstrated how creativity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand to create outstanding results.

Data Image recently produced an eye catching installation for the England 03 Rugby Champions Charity Fundraiser. Using Swedboard sheets, they created a striking three dimensional rugby ball centrepiece as well as fully recyclable display elements. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail showed how sustainable substrates can elevate high profile events while aligning with meaningful charitable causes.

Digital Wordcrafts displayed remarkable creativity in their project for Leicester City Football Club’s Foxes Fanstore. Their team built a full three dimensional truck entirely from Swedboard Fibre Premium. The intricate shaping, smooth curves and structural integrity of the design highlighted just how far paper based materials can be pushed when paired with expert craftsmanship. The material is FSC certified, fully recyclable and designed with responsible production in mind, proving that environmentally conscious choices can support even the most ambitious creative builds.

These projects illustrate the future of sustainable print. When talented creators work with innovative materials, sustainability becomes a natural part of the design process. It shows that responsible choices do not limit creativity. Instead, they open the door to new possibilities.

A Positive and Balanced Future for Print

Sustainability is encouraging the industry to evolve in exciting ways. With support from innovative manufacturers, responsible substrate choices and advanced printing technologies, print service providers can reduce their environmental impact while continuing to deliver exceptional results. The goal is not to replace traditional materials but to expand the portfolio of available options so every project can be approached in the most suitable and responsible way.