Managing the Environmental Impact of Printing: Printmasters' Approach

The printing industry involves use of resources such as water, energy, and chemicals, contributing to pollution and waste. Like many industries, printing and decorating has shifted their attention towards introducing more responsible methods.

The Environmental Cost of Decoration

Decorating items through printing techniques can exacerbate environmental concerns. The process often involves inks and cleaning agents that can be harmful to ecosystems and human health, alongside substantial water and energy consumption. Moreover, waste generated from non-recyclable materials and emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pose additional challenges. Furthermore, working with chemicals and machinery requires stringent health and safety training for staff.?

Printmasters' Solutions

Printmasters, aligned with? the XD Connects ESG roadmap, is taking action to mitigate these issues:

Renewable Energy: Installation of 1,072 solar panels reduces reliance on fossil fuels, covering the electricity for decorating machinery.

Water Conservation: By recycling print screens instead of washing them for re-use, Printmasters has significantly cut water usage by 45% in 2022.

Responsible Ink Purchasing: All inks comply with OEKO-TEX? STANDARD 100, GRS, and REACH SVHC, ensuring safety for workers, end-users, and the environment.

Waste Management: Adoption of reusable wipes and eco-cups in pad printing machines minimizes hazardous waste and chemical exposure, aligning with efforts to segregate and responsibly treat waste.

Certifications and Standards

Printmasters upholds stringent quality and environmental standards, evidenced by its certifications:

ISO 14001 for environmental management.

ISO 9001 for quality management.

ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

These certifications are complemented by adherence to GRS, RCS, OCS, FSC?, and OEKO-TEX? STANDARD 100, ensuring that decorated products remain compliant with their original sustainability certifications.

Printmasters' commitment to low-impact decorating practices represents best practice in reducing the printing industry's environmental impact. By focusing on renewable energy, water savings, responsible purchasing, and rigorous waste management, Printmasters not only addresses the immediate environmental concerns associated with printing and decoration but also sets a benchmark for the industry. This approach underscores XD Connects' dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices, contributing to a better future.