37 Issue 249 - October / November 2023 email: news@signlink.co.uk NEED TO KNOW / BEING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS “Our waterless printing technologies are having a huge effect in the textile market,” explains Evertse. “Our lines of UJF, JFX, and UJV printers tackle energy consumption with the use of LED-UV, as opposed to energy-intensive metal halide lamps, to instantly cure the ink as it is being distributed across the substrate. “Whilst we are making progress in incorporating sustainable practices, challenges do exist. Ensuring that new environmentally friendly technologies remain profitable is a significant concern, as well as balancing ambition with the implementation of eco-friendly products and practices and remaining transparent in our communication to avoid any ‘greenwashing’.” Evertse adds: “We also must navigate the constantly shifting regulatory landscape in our global markets, that are demanding more sustainability efforts from manufacturers.” Myth Busting Another business on the other side of the industry but with sustainability also at the top of its agenda is Very Displays. The trade printer to the display and printing industry is reviewing each element of its business for improvement, and where possible reducing any environmental inefficiencies from printing, sourcing, materials used, and office initiatives. The company has set out its five-year sustainable journey to ensure it is achieving its goals, and some of this includes reviewing the inks it uses, the outer packaging used, reviewing product range and lifecycles, and encouraging and informing on the reusable hardware Very offers its customers. Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of Very Displays, says: “We have already taken steps to ensure we maximise space on all containers resulting in less journeys, reduced material waste, investment in a more efficient printer, only sourcing LED lighting, all delivery boxes being made from recycled material, 100% of our products being reusable, and much more.” Some of the challenges when it comes to implementing sustainable practices that Corcoran reports experiencing include myth-busting and the recycling process. “There are a lot of conflicting thoughts about what companies should and shouldn’t be doing, what materials are best, what route the industry should be taking, etc. We are taking small and considered steps in everything we decide to do to ensure it truly makes a difference and benefits the planet and customers. We’re paving our own way and educating customers along the journey. “Secondly, we are working hard to understand every part of every product we offer (plus graphics) and what the journey and lifecycle of that can be. Unfortunately, the infrastructure and available recycling outlets for certain materials in the UK provide us with a challenge; one we’re working to understand and find alternatives to combat.” Challenges aside, Corcoran highlights some of the benefits of working to be greener such as showing that you are pro-active, responsible, and trustworthy. “This may influence a customer’s purchasing decision when looking for a supply partner,” she adds. “It’s also a necessity now that we can’t ignore as an industry, and rightly so.” A Circular Economy One company that takes its environmental responsibility very seriously is Kremer Signs with the business continuously working on ways to reduce its plastic waste and operate more sustainably. Being the largest producer of estate agent boards in the UK with almost 1 million printed boards each year, Kremer has been working with its correx manufacturer for many years of development work with its key material suppliers. As a result, the company now has a tried and tested Fluted board that is not only made from recycled plastic but can be returned for recycling after many uses. Tom Cummuskey, sales and marketing manager at Kremer Signs, explains the company’s recycling scheme: “This is a ▼ Mimaki demonstrated pigment transfer printing with Coldenhove at ITMA 2023 Kremer Signs is the largest producer of estate agent boards in the UK with almost 1 million printed boards each year Factoid
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