Hinchley says. “If a particular waste stream is still bulky and can be further reduced, we can also provide solutions through one of our partners to supply balers or compactors. These are perfect for waste streams such as plastic shrink wrap, which can be condensed into bales and can be collected along with other waste streams.” The Perfect Partner PSPs can also speak with their current suppliers and partners to explore opportunities to work together on recycling schemes. An example of this comes in the form of Soyang Europe, which has a partnership in place with specialist recycling company Prism. “If a customer expresses an interest in wanting to recycle then we will pass on their details,” sales and marketing administrator Ella Faulkner says, adding: “Print companies should be looking at recycling for a number of reasons. Firstly, recycling is an essential practice for promoting environmental sustainability. “Secondly, recycling can enhance a printing company’s portfolio by attracting a more environmentally friendly customer base. This then gives them more of a competitive edge. Additionally, recycling can help to reduce costs and waste.” Opening up on these benefits, Faulkner says PSPs that up their recycling game can look forward to many advantages such as reduced environmental impact, cost 75 www.printmonthly.co.uk November / December 2023 - Issue 345 ▲ Reconomy director Jon Hutton says sustainability and circularity are becoming increasingly important throughout print’s supply chain NEED TO KNOW / RECYCLING offer to their customers. The company, which provides digital embellishment solutions for the graphic arts industry, earlier this year completed a series of recyclability tests, with the results showing Scodix embellishments can be repulped during the recycling process. This means products enhanced with Scodix embellishments can carry the recyclable symbol – offering a significant, planet-friendly advantage to users. Mark Nixon, executive vice president of global sales and marketing at Scodix, comments: “Sustainability is a core pillar of our business operations. As such, we are thrilled to share our latest test results which underscore the positive impact Scodix products can have on building a more sustainable future. “With our repulpability and recyclability certification coupled with our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) findings, Scodix users can confidently embrace data-driven sustainability practices.” The strict tests series produced positive results that Scodix says showcased the recyclability of its digitally embellished sheets. Passing the WMU SBS-E protocol proved that sheets with Scodix embellishment would qualify for recycling and could be repulped during the process. Brands and manufacturers using Scodix embellishment under this control protocol can now use the FTC recycling symbol, as long as the substrate used is also certified as recyclable. FTC guidelines require third party independent testing to allow manufacturers to use a recyclable symbol. “Coupled with the commissioned LCA that clearly states that Scodix is over seven times less harmful to the environment than the traditional foiling process, we believe the time is now to remain steadfast in our commitment to driving continuous improvements in sustainability – equipping manufacturers with the necessary data to accurately measure their processes,” Nixon says. While recycling has been around for many years, only in recent years have we seen real advancements within this area. Referring back to the opening paragraphs, the work has included introducing new bins for households to sort their recyclable waste and businesses taking the lead and playing their part by adapting the way that they operate. Innovative companies in the print and related industries are very much at the forefront of developments in recycling, coming up with ways to support customers and their own efforts to become more environmentally friendly. Speak with your suppliers and manufacturers to find out more about their own commitments and schemes to help you in your sustainable mission. ► J&G Environmental works with print companies across the UK savings, better reputation, and customer appeal. “While recycling may involve some initial investment, it is important to understand the potential cost savings in the long term,” Faulkner adds. Elsewhere, Scodix is one of a number of manufacturers that have got on the recycling train in terms of the solutions they
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