How to Make Your Print Projects More Sustainable

Thankfully, modern digital printing offers more ways than ever to reduce environmental impact without compromising on creativity or quality. And it all starts with smart choices around materials, processes, and planning.

Here’s how to make your next print job — whether it's signage, packaging, interiors, or POS — cleaner, greener, and more future-proof.

1. Choose Sustainable Print Substrates

The substrate is often the biggest environmental factor in any print project. Fortunately, the market now offers a wide range of eco-friendly print materials, including:

• PVC-free films and banners made from PP, PET, or polyolefin

• Recyclable rigid boards like honeycomb paperboard and eco foam PVC alternatives

• Textile-based graphics with recyclable polyester or natural fiber blends

• FSC® or PEFC-certified papers and cardboard

• Biodegradable or compostable films for packaging and labeling

Using a substrate library like Substrate Bank makes it easy to discover certified materials by application and region — saving time and reducing guesswork.

2. Use Ink Technologies with a Smaller Footprint

Not all ink systems are created equal. To improve the environmental performance of your project:

• Consider latex or water-based inks for low VOC output and no hazardous air pollutants

• Look for TPO-free UV inks that meet the latest REACH and safety standards

• Minimize solvent use when possible — or use eco-solvent alternatives with improved air quality impact

Also, optimize ink coverage by adjusting color profiles or using design efficiencies — less ink = less impact.

3. Think Lifecycle: From Design to Disposal

A sustainable print project doesn’t end at the press. Think about how the material will be used, removed, and disposed of:

• Can it be recycled or reused after the campaign?

• Is it laminated or bonded in a way that makes separation difficult?

• Can you use modular systems or magnetic graphics to reduce future waste?

• Will the substrate release toxins when disposed of?

Designing with the full lifecycle in mind leads to better material choices and smarter client conversations.

4. Reduce Overproduction and Inventory Waste

One of the biggest advantages of digital printing is the ability to produce only what you need. Lean into that:

• Use print-on-demand models for marketing materials, signage, and labels

• Group jobs by material type to reduce substrate waste and leftover rolls

• Store materials properly to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage

If your shop tracks material waste, share that data with clients — it builds trust and shows commitment to continuous improvement.

5. Communicate Certifications and Sustainability Efforts

Clients are increasingly seeking verified sustainability. Boost your value by:

• Offering materials with recognized third-party certifications (FSC®, GREENGUARD, Blue Angel, etc.)

• Documenting substrate recyclability or disposal instructions

• Providing lifecycle or emissions data when available

• Highlighting your own efforts — whether it’s solar energy use, waste reduction, or local sourcing

Remember: transparency builds credibility.

Conclusion: Sustainability Is a Mindset — and a Market Advantage

Making your print projects more sustainable doesn’t require a total overhaul — just smarter decisions at each step. From substrates and ink to finishing and disposal, there are countless ways to reduce your footprint and still deliver high-impact results.

And with tools like Substrate Bank helping you source greener materials, sustainability becomes not just possible — but practical.

Because in digital print today, it’s not just about what you make — it’s how responsibly you make it.