News
Latest news and updates from Substrate Bank and it's partners.
How the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Is Set to Impact the Digital Print Industry
Digital Packaging Printing: Materials, Innovation & the Future of Packaging
Packaging isn’t just about protection anymore — it’s about presence, personalization, and purpose. In a world of e-commerce, short product cycles, and increasingly eco-conscious consumers, digital packaging printing has stepped into the spotlight.
Digital Print Materials: The Substrate That Shapes Every Print
In digital printing, technology gets a lot of attention — the machines, the software, the speed. But behind every sharp graphic and vibrant color is a crucial component that too often gets overlooked: the material it’s printed on.
Digital Label Printing and Its Substrates: What You Need to Know
Digital label printing has revolutionized the packaging and branding world. Fast, flexible, and cost-effective, it enables brands of all sizes to print short runs, variable data, and personalized designs.
Certified to Perform: Why Substrate Certifications Matter More Than Ever in Digital Print
In digital printing, confidence is everything. Whether you’re running a rush job for a global retailer or testing a new material for high-impact graphics, you want to know one thing: will it work the way it should? That’s where certifications come in.
Print Substrates
In the world of digital printing, much of the spotlight tends to fall on the technology — the speed of the printer, for example. But there’s one element that quietly carries every job from concept to completion: the print substrate.
TPO-Free Inks and Their Impact on Print Substrates: What You Need to Know
The digital print industry is entering a new phase of environmental responsibility — and TPO-free inks are quickly becoming part of that story.
Print in Motion: Why Textiles Are Transforming Visual Communication
In the evolving world of visual branding, the materials we print on are just as important as the message itself. And right now, one material group is taking center stage for its versatility, impact, and sensory appeal: printable textiles.
EUDR and the Pulp & Paper Industry: What It Means for Digital Print
As sustainability shifts from aspiration to regulation, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is poised to make a significant impact on the global pulp and paper supply chain — and by extension, the digital print industry.
Top Trends in Digital Print: Where the Industry Is Headed Next
Digital print has come a long way from its early days of short-run jobs and basic personalization. Today, it’s a powerhouse of creativity, efficiency, and innovation — touching everything from retail and packaging to décor, and industrial applications.
Plastic Substrates
Plastic substrates are widely used in digital printing. There's a large choice of materials for different applications. Plastics — more formally known as polymers — are some of the most versatile materials used in manufacturing today.
Digital Magnetics® Becomes First Printable Magnet Supplier to complete LCA Analysis
Digital Magnetics® is the first printable magnetic film supplier to complete a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its magnetic product range.
Substrate Bank at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 – Exclusive Discounts for Early Adopters!
Meet Substrate Bank at Europe’s leading event for the digital printing industry! We’ll be showcasing our newly launched, industry-specific B2B platform designed to revolutionize how PSP's, designers, and material buyers discover print substrates online.
Beyond the Box: Why Packaging Starts With the Right Substrate
Packaging is no longer just a container. It’s your first physical touchpoint, your silent storyteller, and in many cases, your brand’s first impression.
Tariffs, Turbulence & the Digital Print Industry — Why Smart Sourcing Starts with Substrate Bank
In digital print, precision matters — not just in color or resolution, but in sourcing. And over the past few years, global supply chains have gotten a lot less predictable. At the center of this storm? Tariffs.
What Are Print Substrates – And Why They Matter in Digital Printing
In large-format commercial printing, substrates are the print materials onto which the ink is printed by various digital print technologies.
What Are Print Substrates — And Why Designers Should Care
In digital printing, design is only half the story. The other half — and often the one that determines whether your vision lands or falls flat — is the substrate.
How the Right Substrate Brings Printed Interiors to Life
We’re living in the age of personal spaces. From cozy reading nooks to bold feature walls, today’s interiors are more expressive, layered, and customizable than ever before — and printable wallpapers and textiles are playing a starring role.
Understanding Printable Wallcoverings: A Guide to the Surfaces That Shape Our Spaces
Let’s break down the most common types of printable wallcoverings, and how each one serves a unique purpose.
Printable Materials, Tariffs & Sourcing Challenges — Why Centralizing Matters More Than Ever
The world of printable materials isn’t just about textures, coatings, and ink compatibility anymore. In today’s market, it’s also about logistics, legislation, and sourcing.
The Solid Foundation: A Guide to Printable Rigid Substrates
In the world of visual communication, not everything bends or rolls. Sometimes, your message needs to stand tall, hold its shape, and make a statement — physically and visually. That’s where rigid substrates come into play.
Why Fortune 500 Brands Should Rethink Their Print Substrates
Environmental responsibility is no longer optional for global brands. With access to recyclable, PVC-free, or low-impact substrate options, you can align your campaigns with your ESG commitments.
From Floor to Ceiling: Substrates for Every Interior Surface
Interior spaces are no longer static. Today, they’re branded, personalized, adaptable — and increasingly shaped by digital printing. Printed surfaces are transforming the look and feel of interiors from the ground up.
How AI and Automation Are Changing Print Production
The digital printing industry is known for speed, flexibility, and customization — but the next competitive advantage is here: intelligent automation.
Certifications That Matter: From FSC® to GREENGUARD in Digital Printing
In today’s competitive print environment, clients want more than quality and speed — they want proof of responsibility. That’s where certifications come in.
Smart Substrates: Are Interactive Materials the Next Big Thing in Digital Printing?
As digital printing technology evolves, so too does the surface it’s printed on. In an industry that thrives on innovation, a new class of materials is emerging — smart substrates.
Growth Markets in Large-Format Graphics & Digital Print: Where Opportunity Is Expanding
Large-format graphics have always been about impact — filling space, capturing attention, and turning surfaces into storytelling tools. But today, this space isn’t just growing in size — it’s growing in scope.
How to Make Your Print Projects More Sustainable
Sustainability in digital printing isn’t just a selling point — it’s a strategic priority. From print buyers and brands to procurement departments and public institutions, more clients are asking the same question: How sustainable is this print project?
Recycling in the Printing Industry: What’s Actually Possible?
Recycling is one of the most talked-about sustainability goals in the printing industry — but also one of the most confusing. Can you recycle that banner? What about laminated materials? And what actually happens to substrates after a campaign ends?
How to Choose the Right Substrate for Backlit Applications
Backlit graphics are where print meets light — and when done right, they deliver bold color, rich contrast, and unmatched impact.
Best Substrates for Outdoor Durability: What to Print On When the Elements Matter
When your print goes outdoors, the pressure’s on. Sun, wind, rain, temperature swings — they all work overtime to fade colors, peel edges, and wear down even the best-looking graphics.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Substrates: Innovation with a Green Purpose
Sustainability isn’t just a trend in the digital printing industry — it’s a transformation. As more brands, agencies, and print buyers commit to greener practices, eco-friendly print substrates are moving from niche to norm.
Understanding PVC-Free Alternatives: What Are the Options?
For decades, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was the go-to material in wide-format and digital print — from banners and self-adhesive vinyls to wall graphics and floor signage.
Magnetic Media Explained: Applications, Benefits, and Best Practices
In the evolving world of digital printing, few materials offer as much versatility and visual impact as digitally printable magnetic media.
UV vs. Latex vs. Solvent Inks: What’s Right for Your Print Substrate?
When it comes to digital printing, not all ink technologies are created equal — especially when you factor in the substrate. Choosing the right ink isn't just about color vibrancy or cure speed.
The Future of Digital Print: What to Expect in the Next 5 Years
The digital printing industry is moving fast — and it's not slowing down. What started as a tool for short-run flexibility is now a full-scale production powerhouse, transforming how businesses approach everything from packaging to interior design.
Print Applications for Events and Trade Shows: Substrates That Make an Impact
Trade shows are all about visibility — and in the race for attention, print graphics do the heavy lifting. From backdrops and banners to floor graphics and wayfinding, printed elements define the atmosphere, guide attendees, and bring brands to life.
10 Tips for Avoiding Substrate Waste in Digital Printing
In digital printing, every wasted meter of material is money — and margin — lost. Whether you’re printing on banners, vinyl, textiles, or rigid boards, substrate waste adds up fast.
Substrate Adhesion 101: Matching Inks to Materials in Digital Printing
In digital printing, it doesn’t matter how sharp your image is or how fast your press runs — if your ink doesn’t stick, the job fails.
Installing Magnetic Media: Do’s and Don’ts for Flawless Results
Digitally printable magnetic media has become a favorite in retail, signage, education, and vehicle graphics — thanks to its easy application, reusability, and clean removability.
Printable Textile Wallcovering: Soft Texture Meets High-Impact Print
Looking to bring softness, sophistication, and subtle texture to interior spaces — without sacrificing vibrant, high-quality imagery? That’s where printable textile wallcoverings shine.
Printable Natural Wallcovering: Sustainable Surfaces with Organic Texture
In an age of conscious design, more brands, architects, and designers are asking not just what does it look like? — but what is it made of? That’s where printable natural wallcoverings step in.
Printable Mylar Wallcovering: Metallic Effects with a Digital Edge
If you're looking to make a wall graphic pop — with light, luxury, and bold contrast — printable mylar wallcoverings are a powerful tool in your substrate portfolio.
How to Prevent Media Skew and Misalignment on Roll-to-Roll Printers
Roll-to-roll printers are designed for speed, efficiency, and long runs — but even the best system can be thrown off by media skew.
Adhesion Failure on Self-Adhesive Films: What’s Going Wrong?
When a self-adhesive vinyl or film fails to stick — peels, wrinkles, or falls off — the blame often lands on the material or the installer. But in reality, adhesion failure is usually the result of a mismatch between substrate, surface, and environment.
Why Is My Ink Not Curing? Troubleshooting UV and Latex Drying Issues
Few things slow down a print job faster than ink that won’t cure. Whether you're running UV-curable or latex ink systems, curing issues can lead to smudging, poor adhesion, cracked prints, or complete job failure.
Dealing with Static in Digital Printing: Causes, Effects, and Fixes
Static electricity is one of the most frustrating issues in digital print environments. It causes misfeeds, poor ink laydown, image distortion, and dust attraction — especially when working with plastic-based print substrates like PP, PET, or PVC.
Printing on Fabric: Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Digitally printed textiles are booming — from soft signage and backdrops to retail displays, home décor, and trade show systems. But printing on fabric substrates is not the same as printing on vinyl or paper.
How to Avoid Ghosting and Double Imaging in Digital Print
You’ve nailed the design, loaded the right substrate, and hit print — only to discover a faint echo of your image just behind the original. Welcome to the world of ghosting and double imaging, one of the most annoying and hard-to-catch print defects.
How to Store and Handle Roll Media for Maximum Shelf Life
Digitally printable roll media — from vinyls and films to textiles and banner materials — is the lifeblood of many large-format print operations.
Print Substrates 101: What They Are and Why They Matter
In digital printing, ink gets a lot of attention. So do speed, resolution, and finishing. But none of it matters without the right substrate — the surface you’re printing on.
Print-on-Demand vs. Bulk: How Substrates Play a Role in Your Print Strategy
Whether you operate on a print-on-demand (POD) model or focus on high-volume bulk jobs, the type of print substrates you use plays a surprisingly big role in cost, speed, flexibility, and profit margin.
Pricing Strategy for Premium Substrate Printing
Offering premium print substrates — from textured wallcoverings and PVC-free films to metallics, magnetic sheets, and eco-certified boards — can elevate your value proposition and attract high-end clients.
Educating Clients About the Value of High-Quality Media
You know the difference between standard vinyl and a premium, fire-rated, PVC-free wallcovering. You know why a durable polyester textile or a recyclable board costs more — and why it performs better. But do your clients?
Diversifying Your Print Offering Through Unique Substrates
In an industry where speed, quality, and price often level the playing field, the real opportunity for growth lies in what others aren’t printing on.
Preparing Artwork for Unusual or Textured Substrates: What Designers Need to Know
Digital printing makes it possible to bring artwork to life on virtually any surface — not just paper or vinyl, but woodgrain panels, brushed metals, textiles, leather, magnetics, and more.
Printable Wallcovering: What It Is and How to Choose the Right Type
Digitally printable wallcoverings are transforming interior spaces — in retail, hospitality, office design, real estate, healthcare, and even residential settings.
Printable Textile Banner: The Fabric Alternative to PVC Signage
In a world moving away from plastic-heavy materials, the printable textile banner has become a standout alternative — combining elegant presentation with lightweight performance and sustainable appeal.
Printable Window Film: Clear, Frosted, and Designed for Light
Windows are more than architectural features — they’re creative opportunities. Whether used to add branding, privacy, decoration, or wayfinding, printable window films let you transform glass surfaces into fully functional design elements.
Printable Perforated Film: Visibility from One Side, Full Impact from the Other
When you want to transform a window into a messaging space — without blocking the view — perforated film is your go-to solution.
Printable Flag Textile: Lightweight Messaging That Moves with the Wind
In a world of rigid signs and wall-bound graphics, there’s something undeniably dynamic about a flag. It catches the wind, it draws the eye, and it quite literally brings movement to your message.
Printable Glassfibre Wallcovering: Built Tough for Demanding Interiors
When your wall graphics need to withstand more than just admiration — think high-traffic hallways, hospitals, schools, kitchens, or stairwells — printable glassfibre wallcoverings are the material of choice.
Printable Canvas: Classic Texture, Modern Print Power
There’s something unmistakably timeless about canvas. Its texture, its weight, its natural weave — it instantly evokes quality and craftsmanship. But canvas isn’t just for painters anymore.
Printable Digital Textiles: Soft Signage That’s Bold, Lightweight, and Versatile
As brands, events, and environments move toward more sustainable, elegant, and reusable display solutions, printable textile substrates are leading the charge.
Printable Product Packaging: Customization Meets Shelf Impact
In the race to win consumer attention, packaging has evolved from mere protection to a vital extension of the brand experience.
Printable Ferrous Film: Magnetic Function, Flexible Creativity
In fast-moving environments where graphics change often — think retail displays, wayfinding, pop-up events, or menu boards — flexibility is everything. That’s where printable ferrous film steps in.
Printable Floor Textile: High-Impact Graphics That Walk the Talk
We’ve all seen floor graphics used to guide foot traffic, deliver brand messages, or create immersive environments. Traditionally, these have been produced using adhesive-backed vinyl — a practical choice, no doubt, but not without its drawbacks.
Printable Film: Versatile, Functional, and Ready for Custom Graphics
From windows and vehicles to floors, packaging, and illuminated displays — printable films are the unsung heroes of wide-format and specialty printing.
Printable Floor Film: Durable Graphics That Stand Up to Traffic
Floor graphics don’t just guide — they grab attention. Whether it's for directional signage, promotional branding, or safety messages, printable floor film turns every step into a marketing opportunity.
Printable Backlit Film: Bright Graphics That Glow From Within
Some messages are meant to shine — literally. Whether it’s a retail lightbox, airport signage, menu board, or poster, backlit graphics demand crisp colors, high contrast, and flawless illumination. That’s exactly where printable backlit film delivers.
Printable Magnetic Film: Peel, Place, Repeat — with Visual Impact
Some graphics are meant to stay up forever. Others? Not so much. When your signage needs to be flexible, reusable, and easy to swap without a trace, printable magnetic film becomes a powerful tool in your substrate lineup.
Printable Rigid Substrates and Boards: Stability, Strength, and Statement Graphics
In large-format printing, sometimes you need your message to stand tall — literally. That’s where printable rigid substrates and boards come in. Built for strength, visibility, and long-lasting performance.
Printable Display Board: Lightweight, Recyclable, and Retail-Ready
When you need signage that’s strong enough to stand, clean enough to display, and green enough to recycle — printable display board checks every box.
Printable Paper Board: A Natural Surface for Sustainable Signage
As brands and print buyers move toward greener solutions, printable paper board has taken its place as a go-to substrate for eco-conscious signage.
Printable Foam Board: Lightweight, Durable, and Display-Ready
For fast-moving campaigns, eye-catching presentations, and portable signage, printable foam board remains a go-to material. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, making it a staple for everything from retail promotions to indoor wayfinding.
Printable Polystyrene Board: Lightweight, Durable, and Easy to Handle
When your signage needs to be tough but not heavy, cost-effective but not cheap-looking, and flexible enough to cut, bend, or thermoform — printable polystyrene board (often referred to as HIPS: High-Impact Polystyrene) offers the perfect balance.
Why Are My Prints Fading? Understanding Lightfastness and Substrate Impact
There’s nothing worse than delivering a stunning print — only to see it fade a few weeks or months later. Fading isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it affects perceived quality, brand trust, and the longevity of your product.
Troubleshooting Print Defects on Rigid Media: What to Look For and How to Fix It
Rigid media printing offers crisp detail, rich color, and bold presence — but it also comes with challenges. From banding and smudging to poor adhesion and surface blemishes, print defects on rigid substrates can cost valuable time and material.
Sustainability in Digital Print: Why Substrates Are at the Center of the Transformation
Sustainability is no longer a side conversation in digital print — it’s a central force shaping the way we source, produce, and deliver. And while attention often goes to energy-efficient presses or low-VOC inks, there’s another factor making a huge impact behind the scenes: the substrate.
The Impact of Tariffs on the Digital Printing Industry — And How Substrate Bank Helps You Source Smarter
Trade isn’t what it used to be. For the digital printing industry, where precision, speed, and consistency are key, the ripple effects of international tariffs have been hard to ignore. In particular, tariffs introduced on goods from China.
Case Study: How One Print House Increased Efficiency with Pre-Fab Media
For many print service providers, the real cost of production isn’t just in ink and substrates — it’s in time. Between surface prep, test runs, and mounting or laminating, even simple jobs can eat up valuable hours (and profit).
Printable Aluminium Panels: Sleek, Durable, and Built for Impact
When your signage needs to say premium, permanent, and precise — printable aluminium panels are the go-to choice. With their smooth surface, professional finish, and long-term durability, they’re ideal for both indoor elegance and outdoor performance.
Printable Frontlit Banner: A Flexible Standard for Bold Outdoor Graphics
When visibility, durability, and affordability are key, frontlit banners are the go-to substrate in large-format digital printing.
Printable Leather & Faux Leather: Sophistication, Texture, and Luxury Branding
From luxury packaging and signage to fashion, furniture, and retail displays, printable leather and faux leather materials add elegance, depth, and dimension to your visual storytelling.
Printable Roll-Up Banner: Portable Signage with Maximum Branding Power
When it comes to portable signage, few formats are as familiar — or as effective — as the roll-up banner. Easy to carry, quick to install, and sized for maximum impact.
Printable Mesh Banner: Built for Wind, Weather, and Outdoor Impact
When your banner is going outside — and staying there — you need more than bold graphics. You need a material that can handle the elements, especially wind. That’s where printable mesh banner material steps in.
Printable Paper: From Posters to Photo Paper — Classic Surfaces for Modern Prints
While the world of digital print continues to evolve with high-tech films, textiles, and hybrid substrates, printable paper remains a timeless staple.
Printable Blockout Banner: Double-Sided Impact with No Show-Through
When your message needs to be seen from both sides — without anything bleeding through — blockout banner material is the answer.
Printable Textile Banner: Soft Touch Meets Sharp Branding
In today’s world of bold graphics and brand storytelling, not every banner needs to be plastic. For a modern, elegant look with lightweight performance and easy handling.
Printable Blueback Paper: The Billboard Standard for High-Volume Outdoor Advertising
When you think of large-scale, cost-effective outdoor advertising — billboards, city posters, and transit stops — you’re thinking of blueback paper.
Printable Fine Art Paper: Museum-Grade Detail for Gallery-Quality Prints
In a market where texture, tone, and longevity matter as much as resolution, printable fine art paper delivers a premium foundation for true artistic expression.
Printable Photo Paper: Gloss, Satin, and Matte Surfaces for Vivid Imaging
n a world where clarity, color, and finish matter most, printable photo paper remains the undisputed choice for high-impact visual storytelling.
DESARDI® Textile: High-end wallcovering materials for luxury interiors
Discover the Art of Luxury with DESARDI® Textile.
Print Substrates for Museums & Exhibitions: Detail, Durability, and Design Integrity
In museum and exhibition spaces, printed visuals serve a deeper purpose than marketing — they educate, guide, and immers
Print Substrates for Events & Trade Shows: Portable Impact That Performs
In the world of exhibitions, visuals are everything. With just seconds to catch attention and communicate value, brands depend on bold graphics — and equally capable prints that can be transported, set up, and broken down without breaking a sweat.
Print Substrates for Retail & Point of Sale: Materials That Turn Stores into Stories
In retail, space is everything. Walls, windows, floors, ceilings — they’re all potential touchpoints. And with the right print materials, you can turn any surface into a branded moment.
Print Substrates for Hospitality & Wellness Spaces: Calm, Clean, and Branded Environments
In hotels, spas, gyms, and wellness areas, the printed environment must do more. Whether you're designing wayfinding, décor, or branding for a hospitality group or a boutique wellness studio, the right print substrates for digital printing are essential.
Print Substrates for Architecture & Real Estate: Large-Scale Visibility, Design-Led Materials
In architecture and real estate, print is about more than just marketing — it's about making statements, guiding spaces, and expressing identity.
Print Substrates for Vehicle & Transit Branding: Durable Materials for Moving Messages
Vehicle graphics and transit advertising are among the most effective ways to take a message mobile. But with that motion comes unique challenges — curved surfaces, outdoor exposure, and constant environmental stress.