Episode 257 - Can Print Ever Be Truly Sustainable?

This podcast is a webinar discussion hosted June 27 by Elena Knight and featuring: Steve Lister, Stefan Casey, Carlos Lahoz, Matthew Rogerson and Jeff Freeman.

To view the replay, click here. 

To download the draft version of 'A Manifesto for Sustainable Print' click here

Show Notes: 

When five leading industry experts gather to tackle the question "Can print ever be truly sustainable?", the conversation quickly reveals how complex sustainability truly is in the print world.

The panel explores how different players across the value chain define sustainability differently - from substrate manufacturers to printers to brands - creating fundamental misalignment that hinders progress. As Steve Lister provocatively notes, "Print is inherently a sustainable industry" that we've complicated with modern materials and processes that are difficult to recycle.

What emerges clearly is that data transparency forms the backbone of sustainable transformation, yet remains the industry's Achilles heel. Stefan Casey emphasizes that without clean, standardized data that everyone can understand and act upon, sustainability efforts will continue to falter. The experts agree that collaborative ecosystems and shared language are essential for meaningful change.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when discussing responsibility. Should consumers bear the burden of sustainability decisions? The panel largely agrees that expecting consumers to navigate complex sustainability messaging is unrealistic. As one panelist notes, "I can't believe we still allow businesses to make products that are unrecyclable." The upcoming Green Claims Directive, with potential fines of 4% of company turnover for misleading claims, signals that regulatory pressure is mounting.

Most compelling is the introduction of the Sustainable Print Manifesto - an industry-wide initiative aiming to create alignment around sustainability best practices and establish a shared "North Star" for the entire value chain. This collaborative framework addresses design, compliance, and innovation while acknowledging that one size doesn't fit all.

For print professionals concerned about navigating the sustainability maze, this discussion offers practical wisdom: start by measuring your impact, focus on design (which determines 80% of environmental impact according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation), and embrace collaboration rather than trying to solve problems in silos. Join us in making print not just sustainable, but a positive force for environmental change.

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany